Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 25th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada zryan, Avalanche Canada

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Wind slabs may be reactive to human triggering at upper elevations. Use caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Summary

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 15 to 35 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, up to 5 cm of accumulation, 15-40 km/h south winds, alpine temperature rising to -3 C. Freezing level reaching 1500 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, 5-10 cm of accumulation. 10-30 km/h northwest winds, alpine temperature rising to -3 C. Freezing level reaching 1700 m. 

MONDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, 5 cm accumulation. 20-40 km/h northwest winds, alpine temperature rising to -3 C. Freezing level reaching 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, a natural wind slab (size 2) was observed in the alpine from southwest winds redistributing new snow.

Widespread loose wet and wet slab avalanche activity occurred during the warm-up on Wednesday. 

Looking forward, riders may be able to trigger wind slabs in lee terrain features in steep alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of recent snowfall and southwest winds have formed wind slabs in lee terrain features in the alpine. This new snow tapers rapidly with elevation. Below 2300 m, a melt-freeze crust can be found with moist snow below.

There are no deeper concerns at this time.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found in wind-loaded terrain at high elevations, formed from recent strong southerly wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2022 4:00PM