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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 7th, 2016–Mar 8th, 2016
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday. HIGH danger is possible if you see more than 30 cm of fresh snow on the ground before the end of the day. 

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Periods of snow – up to 30 cm. The freezing level is around 800-1000 m. Ridge winds are moderate from the south. WEDNESDAY: Possible sunny breaks to start with snow developing late in the day. The freezing level could rise to 1200-1400 m. Ridge winds are light but increase to strong from the SW-SE with the arrival of the storm. THURSDAY: Cloudy with sunny breaks and a chance of flurries. The freezing level is near 1400 m and winds are light.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity up to size 2 was reported on Sunday, primarily from freshly wind loaded slopes. Skier testing also produced several slabs up to size 1.5 on steep and unsupported slopes. On Saturday there was evidence of widespread natural storm slab avalanche activity to size 3.5. The avalanches failed in response to heavy storm loading on Friday and possibly warming on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Storm totals from the past week were well over 100cm with more currently falling and much more on the way. Previous strong southwesterly winds have shifted the new snow into deeper storm slabs on lee and cross-loaded alpine and treeline features. On all but higher elevation shaded slopes, the new snow from Sunday likely overlies a melt-freeze crust from high freezing levels and sun on Saturday afternoon. Ongoing stormy weather has also encouraged extensive cornice growth. Weaknesses below the recent storm snow are expected to have gained considerable strength while the mid and lower snowpack are also strong and well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Fresh storm slabs could form on Tuesday, particularly in wind loaded terrain near ridge crests (predominantly NW-E aspects). Older storm snow weaknesses in the top 100 cm may also be susceptible to triggering.
Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are reported to be huge and weak. Stay well back from ridgecrests, and watch your overhead hazard.
Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4