Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 8th, 2013 8:51AM

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

Avalanche Canada triley, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Saturday: The ridge of high pressure is expected to flatten out Saturday afternoon allowing cloud and light precipitation to move into the region. Expect 5-7 cms of new snow by Sunday morning with alpine temperatures around -4.0 and moderate Southwest winds.Sunday: The weak area of low pressure should move down the coast allowing drier air and light Northerly winds to fill in behind. Freezing level should be about 500 metres.Monday: Unsettled weather is forecast for Monday with cloudy skies and light Southwest winds. Models are not in agreement for Monday. Hopefully we will know more tomorrow.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported from the region.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar continues to develop during the clear nights, and near surface facets continue to develop. Foot penetration has reduced to about 25 cms as the recent storm slab continues to settle. The west of the region is reporting a very well settled snow pack at all elevations. The East parts of the region have reported a shallow weak snowpack with areas of basal facets. Strong southwest winds have formed touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain in the lee of ridges, gully side walls, and behind terrain features. There are a variety of old interfaces now down 60 - 100cm which include facets, crusts and isolated pockets of surface hoar.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Recent wind slabs are becoming more stubborn to human triggers, but may release with larger triggers like re-grouping or multiple people on the same slope. Watch for unsupported convex slopes, and shallow weak spots around exposed rocks and trees.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 9th, 2013 2:00PM