Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 20th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Stubborn wind slabs exist in exposed alpine terrain. The softest riding conditions will be found in terrain features sheltered from recent wind.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 to 30 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -13 C.
SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 to 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -11 C.
MONDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 20 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -11 C.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 20 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -11 C.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanche observations were reported on Friday. On Thursday, a few groups saw recent natural avalanche activity around Paddy Peak.
Snowpack Summary
Hard wind slabs have been reported in the region, which are expected to be stiff and difficult to trigger during this cold snap. You may still be able to find around 30 cm of recent soft snow in sheltered terrain, which may be sitting on a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes.Â
There are no deeper concerns around White Pass.
Substantial spatial variability exists within the snowpack around the Tutshi Lake/Paddy Peak area. Terrain should be assessed on a slope by slope basis, as lingering weaknesses may still exist.
The Wheaton's continental snowpack is dominated by hard wind slabs overlying sugary facets and depth hoar. It's an untrustworthy snowpack structure that requires good terrain selection and travel habits.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a persistent slab.
- Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are likely to be stubborn to trigger during this cold snap. The most likely place to trigger them would be in steep leeward or cross-loaded terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2021 4:00PM
