Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 20th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada TRettie, Avalanche Canada

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 Keep an eye on the weather throughout the day. Hazard will increase as freezing levels rise and storm snow accumulates. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

Sunday night: 15 to 25 cm of new snow at higher elevations with moderate southerly winds. Freezing level around 1000 m.

Monday: stormy with 10 to 25 cm of snow expected. Light to moderate southeast winds and freezing levels around 1300 m.

Tuesday: cloudy with 10 mm of precipitation likely falling as rain at all elevations. moderate southerly winds and freezing levels rising to 2500 m.

Wednesday: cloudy with light flurries bringing up to 5cm of snow at higher elevations. Freezing levels falling to 1500 m. Light to moderate southwest winds.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural wet loose avalanches to size two running in steep terrain have been observed in the region. This type of avalanche activity will likely increase as the freezing level rises and precipitation falls as rain.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slab can be found on northerly aspects at higher elevations. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers that can likely be found on all aspects and elevations except high north terrain. The snowpack is considered well-settled and strong below these crusts. 

Moist snow can be observed at lower elevations.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

New storm slabs will likely form throughout the day. These slabs will be largest and most reactive near ridge crests where wind loading is a factor.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Use extra caution on steep slopes below treeline. Forecasted precipitation could fall as rain at lower elevations causing the snowpack to loose strength. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 21st, 2022 4:00PM