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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 20th, 2022–Mar 21st, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Lizard-Flathead.

Crusts on solar aspect are becoming more the norm. Dry snow, and better riding quality, may be found on the more shaded aspects, but watch for wind slabs in alpine areas.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy, light flurries. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level dropping to 700 m.

MONDAY: Cloudy, isolated flurries. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 1500 m in the afternoon.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with light flurries. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 3300 m in the afternoon.

WEDNESDAY: Mainly cloudy, isolated flurries. Moderate to strong southwest winds. Freezing level rising to 3000 m in the afternoon. 

Avalanche Summary

A few small natural cornice failures have been observed, not pulling any slab on the slopes below. Several small wet loose avalanches have been observed on south-facing aspects from solar radiation and daytime warming.

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm of recent snowfall overlies 20 to 40 cm of heavy powder at upper elevations, while warm temperatures have left moist and crusty surfaces below 1800 m on all aspects and into the alpine on south-facing aspects. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers, and the snow is well bonded to these crusts.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.