Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 24th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Wet loose avalanches are the biggest concern right now. They are most likely on steep slopes that are baking in the sun. They are less likely if you are finding a thick, supportive surface crust. Pay attention to changing conditions through the day.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - The snowpack structure is generally well understood. Uncertainty is due to rapidly fluctuating freezing levels.
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy. Light east ridgetop winds trending to moderate southwest in the high alpine. Freezing level falling to valley bottom.Â
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy. No new snow/rain expected. Light variable ridgetop wind trending to moderate southwest in the high alpine. Freezing level rising to around 2200 m through the day.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy. No new snow/rain expected. Light south ridgetop wind, with periods of strong southwest in the high alpine. Freezing level falling to near valley bottom overnight, rising to around 2300 m through the day.
SUNDAY: Mostly Sunny. Drizzle of rain. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind, with periods of strong in the high alpine. Freezing level rising to around 2700 m. Â
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, natural, loose wet avalanche activity continued on steep aspects in the sun. A few were as large as size 2.
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, avalanche activity was limited to small wet loose avalanches (size 1-1.5) triggered by above 0 °C temperatures and solar warming.
Remember that a lack of reported avalanches does not necessarily mean that there is a lack of avalanche activity. If you are out in the backcountry, and have photos, conditions updates, or even just good vibes to share, consider making a post on the Mountain Information Network.Â
Snowpack Summary
A skiff of new snow and possibly thin windslabs in the alpine. Refrozen crust on all aspects up to 2200 m, softening in the afternoon at low elevations, and on steep, sunny slopes. Recent warm temperatures, sun, and rain have made the top 5-20 cm of the snowpack moist. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers, and the snow is well bonded to these crusts.
Below 1700 m, the snowpack has been reported as being moist top to bottom, and becoming isothermal.
Terrain and Travel
- Start on smaller terrain features and gather information before committing to bigger terrain.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- Avoid lee and cross loaded slopes in the alpine.
Problems
Loose Wet
Freezing levels are falling overnight, but the surface snow may not solidly refreeze. Loose wet avalanches have been common on steep, sunny slopes.
Paying close attention to how thick and supportive the surface crust is throughout the day, and sticking to shady slopes when the sun is packing a punch are good ways to avoid any wet loose avalanche problems.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Recent snowfall and westerly winds are expected to have formed small wind slabs in lee features in the alpine.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 25th, 2022 4:00PM
