Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 12th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.
Snow Safety,
Our danger ratings are for the highest level we expect to see over the course of the day. The heat and solar inputs will be the main factors for the increase in avalanche danger. Start early and end early, to take advantage of the overnight recovery.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Warm temperatures and clear skies will continue through the weekend. Daytime highs at valley bottom will climb to +13 with freezing levels as high as 2500m. 3000m winds will gradually increase through the weekend with values in the moderate to strong range by Sunday. Solar inputs will pack a punch on steep southerly aspects by mid day.
Snowpack Summary
10-20cm recent snow remains preserved on Northerly aspects and low angle terrain, on steep solar aspects a surface crust has formed. Some recent wind effect at higher elevations that seems limited to ridge crests. Profile at 2400m on Mt. Ogden found facets down 65cm with no results on column test. Cornices are huge!
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported today with good visibility. We expect an increase in avalanche activity as day time heat and strong solar inputs effect the snowpack.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Wet
This weekend will bring an increase in freezing levels and solar input. We should see some recovery over night, but watch afternoon solar effect as conditions can deteriorate quickly.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
We suspect moderate winds have created isolated wind slabs on immediate lee slopes in the alpine. Though small in size, this problem could pose a significant hazard in the wrong terrain.
- Watch for pockets of wind slab in steep alpine features.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 13th, 2021 4:00PM
