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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 26th, 2021–Mar 27th, 2021
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Glacier.

Watch for changing conditions that could increase the hazard on Friday. Sun on the slope is heating up the snow fast

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure across southern BC is losing its influence as low pressure moves in from the NW with a series of fronts

Friday: Cloudy, flurries, high -6, light W wind, freezing level 1300m

Saturday: Flurries to 6cm, high -4, strong SW wind, freezing level 1700m

Sunday: 35cm of new snow, strong SW wind, high -4 , freezing level 1700m

Snowpack Summary

40cm of snow has fallen this week over the March 18th sun crust and surface hoar. Short sunny spells are quickly affecting the top 15cm. Crusts have been seen to 2150m on due S aspects, likely higher in steep terrain. The mid pack of rounds is strong and supportive. The below treeline snowpack has has experienced several melt freeze cycles.

Avalanche Summary

Several mid elevation natural moist slabs were observed on Thursday on all aspects. A deep size 3.0 slab was reported near the park on Wednesday failing on the ground. Windslabs can still be found in lee areas. Cornices are large and fragile and should be given a wide berth

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

The March 18th persistent weak layer is buried approximately 50cm as a suncrust and in shaded, sheltered areas at treeline as surface hoar. This layer is most reactive where sunny spells and mild temperatures are affecting the upper snowpack

  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the persistent slab.
  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Wind Slabs

Strong winds have created a wind slab problem in exposed areas at treeline and above. These slabs are 15-40cm thick. Extra caution is required where terrain features contribute to cross loading

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Use caution on steep lee and cross-loaded slopes

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2