Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Glacier.
New snow / rain, rising freezing levels and loading winds will gradually increase the hazard over the day on Sunday.
Dry power snow found on polar aspects at higher elevations.
Weather Forecast
Sunday, a low pressure system brings 5-15cm of snow, 20-50km/hr South West winds and a freezing level up to 2500m (rain at lower elevations) during the overnight period into Monday. Another 10cm on Monday with slightly lower freezing level. A ridge of high pressure arrives on Tuesday bringing sunny skies and seasonal diurnal temperature swings.
Snowpack Summary
A crust exists up to 2200m on all aspects (which breaks down with daytime warming) and extends into the alpine on solar aspects. Pockets of wind slab in the alpine and down into tree line. The March 11th crust is buried 40-70cm. Cold, dry powder snow can be found on sheltered, polar aspects at higher elevations.
Avalanche Summary
Several loose wet avalanches up to size 2-3 released on Thursday and into Friday after the rain event up to 2200m. The most notable was Park One Minor, which filled the creek, jumped the bank and buried both lanes of the TCH a meter deep by 20m wide.
Glide cracks are on the move, show them respect during the rain and warming temps.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow, moderate South West winds and warm temps are the perfect combination for forming fresh wind slabs in the alpine and down into tree line.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features.
- Use caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Wet
The warm temps and rain will weaken the snowpack up to tree line. Glide cracks are on the move and will have a higher likelihood of releasing once lubricated by the rain.
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5