Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 2016 8:00AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Loose Wet and Cornices.

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Get an EARLY start this week; the warm, mid-day temp's will dramatically increase danger levels when the sun moves onto the slope.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sunny, warm, light winds, no precip this week. This looks like the first week of Spring. Freezing levels will climb as the day progresses, hitting 2000m today and possibly 2400m tomorrow. The strong STRONG sunshine will make things feel even warmer if you are on a sunny slope.

Snowpack Summary

Yesterday's sun and heat has created a surface crust to ridge-top on solar aspects and further settled the snowpack on polar aspects. Of most concern are the multiple crusts in the top metre of the snowpack, found mainly on sunny slopes. Avalanches may step down to deeper layers if they start moving. Wind slabs can be found in alpine lee features.

Avalanche Summary

The strong heat yesterday from the sun triggered numerous loose avalanches to size 3 from steep alpine and tree-line start zones. Expect to see the same today once the frozen surface crust breaks down this morning. Another glide crack release was observed in Lone Pine on Tupper, reminding folks of the unpredictable nature of these looming threats.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A series of crusts on solar aspects, buried up to 1.2 m deep, remain a concern. Tests generally take a hard force but continue to produce sudden planar results. This suggests that smaller avalanches, or cornice failures, may trigger large avalanches.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

The overnight crust will break down rapidly while the strong sunshine beats upon it. Be aware of the sun's effect on the slopes that you are traveling across, especially by late morning and into the afternoon.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Large cornices are an ongoing concern with warmer temperatures and the strong March sunshine. Even small cornice failures can trigger large avalanches.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 30th, 2016 8:00AM