Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 14th, 2018–Mar 15th, 2018

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

Alpine temps remained at or above zero overnight with little to no crust recovery. Avalanche danger will increase as temps rise, especially on south facing terrain. The chance of rain up to 2700m will weaken the snowpack even further.

Weather Forecast

Weather models are competing for this years spring show and can't agree if the sun will shine or rain will fall. The conservative option is to expect sun in the AM and cloud in the PM, freezing levels to 2700m with a chance of rain (1-3mm). Winds will be light, valley bottom temps up to +7 and an alpine high of +3. Temperatures dropping tomorrow.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar growth in shaded locations. Snowpack is well settled with no notable layers in the upper snowpack. Expect surface crust on all aspects and elevations except North and East in the Alpine and upper treeline. Solar aspects will become moist and unstable as temps rise over the day. Cool dry snow found on high polar aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Solar aspects producing loose moist avalanches up to size 3, a few of which have gouged to ground. The Connaught creek skin track has been buried several times this week from avalanches originating from steep solar aspects in the alpine running to valley bottom.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Expect loose wet avalanches to initiate from steep solar terrain. Pay close attention to the effects of the sun on the avalanche terrain above you and avoid overhead exposure.

Avoid exposure to overhead solar avalanche terrain, avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Large cornices are hanging off ridge lines and will weaken with daytime warming and intense solar radiation. Minimize your exposure to these looming hazards.

Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.Minimize exposure to overhead hazard from cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3