Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 11th, 2022 3:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Dvonk, Avalanche Canada

Winds continue to strip and load lee features, mostly in the alpine. Great skiing can still be found in sheltered locations.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Day time high's around -10. Up to 5cm of snow. Winds will be 20km/h out of the Southwest. Gusting to 40km and dying off Saturday evening. You can expect clouds to be in and out throughout the day.

Avalanche Summary

No field teams today and no reports of any avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

Steady moderate SW winds have contuined to build wind slabs in lee and crossloaded aspects. These seem reasonably well bonded, but in shallow areas they are more reactive. Treeline and below still feel quite settled with only localized windslabs being a problem. The crust is still the main concern and deserves respect as there are likely loose sugary facets on top of it. Solar aspects at all elevations should be evaluated. It is down 30-40cm now.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

These will build quickly with the increasing winds tomorrow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Carefully evaluate the bond with the Feb 19th crust down 40 to 60cm. Recent wind loading will make this problem more reactive, as will periods of intense solar input.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2022 3:00PM