Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 27th, 2020–Mar 28th, 2020
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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: Northwest Inland.

A reactive storm slab will build through the day as new snow accumulates with steady winds.

Confidence

Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

Friday night: Flurries, 5-10 cm. Alpine low temperature -7 C. Strong southwest wind.

Saturday: Flurries and snow, 5-15 cm. Alpine high temperature -5 C. Moderate to strong southwest wind.

Sunday: Flurries and snow, 10-15 cm. Alpine high temperature -7 C. Moderate southwest wind.

Monday: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine high temperature -15 C. Moderate east wind.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations were reported this week, this comes from a very limited observation network. 

Snowpack Summary

Around 10-20 cm new snow is expected by the end of Saturday, falling with a steady wind. This will cover a mix of recent wind slabs and wind-affected snow as well as melt freeze crust on south aspects and below about 1100 m.

A weak layer of surface hoar crystals buried early March may be found around 30 to 50 cm deep, particularly in sheltered terrain around treeline. Recent observations of this layer are lacking.

An early-season layer of faceted grains and melt-freeze crust near the base of the snowpack likely lingers in high alpine features. The most suspect locations to trigger this layer would be where the snowpack is thin near rocky outcroppings. Large loads, such as cornice fall, may have the potential to trigger it.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for avalanche hazard to increase throughout the day.
  • Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

10-20 cm new snow is expected by the end of Saturday around the region. Falling with steady southwesterlies, slab properties are expected to develop through the day especially in areas impacted by wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of surface hoar crystals is buried around 30 to 50 cm in sheltered, shady terrain around treeline. Recent warm conditions have likely promoted bonding of this layer but there is uncertainty about whether it is still a problem.

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

Elevations: Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2