Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 14th, 2019–Mar 15th, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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: Kootenay Boundary.

Winds slabs are the main concern. Temperatures will be gradually warming so pay particular attention to slopes that are affected by the sun.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy. Alpine temperature low of -7C. Moderate northwest winds at ridgetops.FRIDAY: Isolated flurries. Cloudy with sunny periods. Alpine temperature reaching -4C. Moderate northwest winds at ridgetops.SATURDAY: Mix of sun and clouds. Dry. Alpine temperature reaching -2C. Light westerly winds. Freezing level between 1600m and 1900m. SUNDAY: Mainly sunny with clouds. Alpine temperature around 0C. Light northwest winds. Freezing level between 2000m and 2500m. No overnight freeze expected.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread loose-dry avalanches were triggered by skiers on steep north-facing slopes as well as numerous wind slabs on alpine features on various aspects. They all remained small (size 1 to 1.5) and were confined to the recent snow near the surface. Sun has already affected the snow on steep south-facing slopes and triggered small loose wet avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Last 7 days snowfalls (25-40 cm) now sit on various surfaces such as sun crusts on southerly slopes, hard wind-affected snow in exposed locations and soft faceted snow in sheltered areas. Recent winds have switched around from north to west to south affecting the fresh snow on a variety of aspects. Two layers of weak surface hoar crystals are buried in the snowpack between 55 and 90 cm deep, which were buried in mid-February and early-February. The layers may be associated with a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs will remain reactive, particularly on south-facing slopes that are affected by the sun.

The best powder will be found in sheltered locations at or below treeline.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, particularly near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2