Avalanche forecast

North Columbia

Mar 10 – 11, 2019Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

There is some snow in the forecast starting Monday midday and carrying through the night.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5
    Recent low density new snow has been redistributed by primarily southerly winds to form slabs in the lee of terrain features. Wind slabs will continue to build as new snow begins to accumulate and the wind picks up Monday afternoon.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY Night: Mainly cloudy with clear periods / light to moderate southwest wind / alpine temperature -8 CMONDAY: Flurries, 5-10 cm through the day and another 5-15 cm overnight / moderate to strong southwest wind / alpine temperature -7 C / freezing level 800 mTUESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries  / light to moderate west wind  / alpine temperature -8 C / freezing level 1000 m WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / light west wind  / alpine temperature -7 C / freezing level 1100 m

Avalanche Summary

Reports on Saturday include several natural and human triggered storm slab, loose dry and wind slab avalanches to size 1.5.On Friday, there were reports of human triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 2. There were also reports of a natural avalanche cycle to size 2.5 in the neighboring Glacier National Park region.

Snowpack Summary

10-30 cm of recent storm snow is sitting mainly on wind slabs and facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. There are a two weak layers in the upper snowpack that were buried in mid and late January. These can be found approximately 40-80 cm deep. Both layers consist of surface hoar and may be associated with a crust on steep, south facing slopes. These weak layers have been most reactive at lower elevations. Avalanche occurrences on these layers have tapered significantly, however it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche on these layers in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks and large open glades.The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where the cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack.

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