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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 30th, 2022–Mar 31st, 2022
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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: Purcells.

Evaluate surface conditions throughout the day. 

As the surface crust breaks down and snow becomes wet, avalanches become more likely. Brief periods of strong sunshine and rising temperatures can quickly increase danger. 

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy. Light westerly winds. Freezing levels drop to 1000 m. Isolated flurries possible. 

THURSDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate westerly winds. Isolated flurries possible, delivering 5 cm to western terrain and a trace in the east. Freezing levels peak at 1600 m, alpine highs of +1.

FRIDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with light southwest winds. Freezing levels around 1800 m. Alpine highs of +3. 

SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, light snowfall over the day. Freezing levels around 1800 m. Alpine highs of +3. 

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, several large wet avalanches were naturally triggered by sun, warm temperatures and cornice falls. Activity occurred on all aspects, up to size 3.

On Monday, several natural wet avalanches were reported to size 2.5

Avalanche activity is expected to decrease as temperatures cool and freezing levels drop. 

Snowpack Summary

Small pockets of wind loading may sit on north and east facing slopes in the alpine. A crust exists on all aspects as high as 2500 m, softening in the afternoon at all elevations with warm temperatures and sun creating moist surface snow. At very low elevations, the snowpack may be wet and isothermal, depending on overnight freezing levels. 

At 30 to 75 cm below the snow surface, a sun crust can be found on solar aspects. This layer was buried in early March and produced several avalanches last week. The recent warm weather seems to have helped this layer bond. The lower snowpack is generally strong and well bonded.

Terrain and Travel

  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and sun throughout the day may quickly soften and weaken surface snow. 

Pay close attention to how thick and supportive the surface crust is throughout the day. Minimize your exposure to slopes with wet and heavy snow. 

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2