Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2019 4:05PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Some new snow is due to arrive Monday afternoon carrying through into the evening.

Summary

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 -10 CMONDAY: Flurries, 5-10 cm / moderate 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 -9 C / freezing level 1000 m WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods / light northwest wind  / alpine temperature -10 C / freezing level 900 m

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, there were reports of several natural and explosives triggered avalanches to size 2.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 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 up to three layers of surface hoar that were buried in mid and late January, and early February. These layers are around 30 to 80 cm deep and are most prominent at lower elevations. The surface hoar may sit on a crust on south facing slopes. The most recent reported avalanches on these layers have been on the early February layer. These reports have been mainly from the western portion of the region, near the boundary with the South Columbia region. Avalanches on these layers are infrequent, however it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche on these layers in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks, large open glades and south facing slopes.The base of the snowpack is composed of weak and sugary faceted grains that sit on a crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Recent low new snow has been redistributed by 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.
Exercise increased caution around freshly wind loaded pockets near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2019 2:00PM