Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 25th, 2020 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mkoppang, Avalanche Canada

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We please ask people, stay out of committing terrain or just stay home and solve a rubiks cube. COVID19 is a serious problem and we don't want to add more work to the health care system. Winds are increasing and so is the hazard from new windslabs.    

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Light snow is forecast to continue with increasing winds. Winds will push into the strong range out of the SW as we see a gradual rise in temperatures over the next week.  

Avalanche Summary

Extensive loose dry sluffing from extreme terrain was observed as well as new windslabs up to sz 2 were seen on N and E aspects in alpine areas. Skier triggered avalanches were reported in the heros knob area by a party up there. This is a strong indication not to be there. 

Snowpack Summary

Dribbles of snow over the past week have added up to 30cm of recent snow at higher elevations. WInds have generally been light but we have seen some windslab development that has occurred over the past 24hrs in alpine areas. These new slabs are skier triggerable and 20-40cm deep. Ridge lines and gullied terrain are the likely areas to encounter these problems. The deep basal layers are still a concern from thin snowpack areas. Watch for the new snow running far and fast on the solar aspects where it is overlying a crust. With winds increasing on Friday, expect new windslabs to develop quickly and become more widespread in open terrain. . 

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid convexities, steep unsupported terrain and rocky outcroppings.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.
  • Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New winds and windslabs are building 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The deep persistent layer is still a concern, especially in shallow snowpack areas. A large cornice trigger could also be enough to weak up this layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3.5

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2020 4:00PM

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