Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 23rd, 2019 3:00PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

The best riding will likely be on northerly aspects up high, but travel with caution, as a buried weak layer may still exist. You may also find wet snow, which could be sensitive on Sunday with enough warming.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, light east wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 2000 m.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and clouds with isolated flurries, trace accumulation, light southeast wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 2000 m.MONDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1700 m.TUESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

The wet loose avalanche cycle from last Sunday to Friday has likely diminished, as cooler, seasonal temperatures returned to the mountains on Saturday. Evidence of the cycle is widespread at all elevations, with avalanches up to size 3 mostly on southeast to southwest aspects. Numerous persistent and wet slab avalanches were also triggered naturally, by skiers, and explosives on Thursday and Friday. They occurred on all aspects and generally at treeline and alpine elevations. They were most often 30 to 50 cm deep.

Snowpack Summary

A melt-freeze crust is found on the snow surface everywhere except for northerly aspects above 2000 m, where dry snow still prevails. The crust may weaken into moist or wet snow at low elevations or on southerly aspects, depending on daytime warming and cloud cover.The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception may be on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where a weak layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm may still exist in combination with old and hard wind-affected snow.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A 40 to 60 cm thick slab of snow may be poorly bonded to weak, sugary faceted snow. This layer is likely most problematic on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where it may be associated with hard, wind-affected snow.

Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that buried instabilities are still present.Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Loose Wet

The snow may weaken at lower elevations or on sun-exposed slopes, depending on if it rains or if the clouds clear. If the snow feels slushy, there is potential for triggering a loose wet avalanche.

Avoid exposure to areas with overhead hazard during periods of rain or strong sun.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid exposure to terrain traps, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 24th, 2019 2:00PM