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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 19th, 2022–Mar 20th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

South Rockies.

Wind slab avalanches are possible at upper elevations. Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation and aspect.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Snowing, trace to 10 cm of accumulation. Moderate to strong westerly winds. 1500 m freezing level dropping to 500 m.

SUNDAY: Partially cloudy with the potential for scattered flurries. Moderate to strong westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 1500 m in the afternoon.

MONDAY: Cloudy with light flurries. Moderate to strong westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 2000 m in the afternoon.

TUESDAY: Partially cloudy. Moderate to strong westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 3000 m in the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

Wind slab avalanches will be possible in the alpine and treeline on Sunday. 

A few large wind slab avalanches occurred in alpine terrain on Tuesday (size 2 to 3), otherwise, avalanche activity since last weekend has been limited to small wind slab and dry loose avalanches (size 1).

Snowpack Summary

Strong southwest wind has impacted surface snow conditions at upper elevations and built windslab in lee areas. The surface is moist and crusty below around 1800 m. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers, and the snow is well bonded to these crusts.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.