Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2021 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 Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada matt, Avalanche Canada

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The recent heat has helped to settle the snowpack, but we are still seeing localized wind slabs near ridges that could react and avalanche. 

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Tomorow will start with a temperature of -12, but warm up to about -6 by mid afternoon. No significant snow is forecast, but some isolated flurries are likely. Winds will subside as the day goes on and settle at L/SW by mid afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

A few minor loose dry sluffs out of steep, wind exposed areas. No new slab avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

A walk to Tent Ridge today had 5-10cm low density snow on top of an insulated crust from the past few days. This crust is about 4cm thick and more pronounced on solar aspects. At treeline, the underlying crust was replaced with a hard windslab that was basically in the surface. A quick hole had the Feb 19th interface down 50-60cm and inconsistently reactive in tests. Despite a well settled snowpack in tests, we still bailed from the ridge early, suspecting reactive windslabs in the immediate lee.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
  • Pay attention to isolated alpine features as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Despite the strong heat not much activity was observed on this interface. Recent skier triggerred activity indicate that it should still be very much in your mind as you travel. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Windslabs exist in the upper snowpack that feel drummy and cakey in some areas. Be aware of the potential for wide propagations. 

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Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2021 3:00PM