Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2019 3:58PM

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

Avalanche Canada ldreier, Avalanche Canada

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The forecast calls for a cloudy day. If the sun comes out it will increase the potential for triggering loose wet avalanches.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Few clouds, moderate east winds, alpine temperature of -5 C, freezing level at 1500 mTHURSDAY: Cloudy with a trace of snow accumulation, light to moderate easterly winds, alpine temperature of -4 C, freezing level 1800 m FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northerly winds, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 2000 mSATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southerly winds, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 2100 m

Avalanche Summary

In the north of the region on Tuesday a natural size 2 loose wet avalanche and a skier triggered size 1 wind slab avalanche on a northerly aspect were reported. On Monday loose wet avalanche activity up to size 2 was reported on solar aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm of recent snow at upper elevations is bonding well with a variety of snow layers underneath. On higher north aspects above 2000 m it may sit on some dry, faceted snow and/or isolated old wind slabs. At most other places the new snow is sitting on either moist snow or a crust. There are still a handful of melt/freeze crusts, surface hoar and facets in the upper snowpack, but all of these layers appear to have gone dormant for the time being. The snowpack at mid and upper elevations is gaining strength in consecutive nights with below freezing temperatures.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
If the sun comes out, it will weaken the surface snow and increase the likelihood of thin loose wet avalanches running in steep terrain, especially on those slopes facing the sun.
Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.Minimize exposure when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2019 2:00PM