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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 22nd, 2020–Mar 23rd, 2020

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.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Sea To Sky.

Human triggered avalanches will be possible on Monday with new snow and wind in the forecast. Keep your risk tolerance to a minimum while public health resources are strained.

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

A cold front crosses the region Monday morning.

SUNDAY NIGHT: 5-15 cm of new snow, strong southwest wind, freezing level drops to valley bottom, alpine temperatures drop to -8 C.

MONDAY: Another 5-15 cm of snow possible throughout the day, light to moderate southwest wind, freezing level around 1000 m, alpine temperatures reach -5 C.

TUESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, light wind, freezing level around 1000 m, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.

WEDNESDAY: Sunny with a few clouds, light north wind, freezing level around 1000 m, alpine high temperatures around -5 C.

Avalanche Summary

While recent avalanche activity has primarily been wet loose avalanches on sun-exposed slopes, the incoming weather will form fresh slabs. Human triggered slab avalanches will be possible on slopes that accumulate new snow, especially in wind loaded terrain. If you decide to travel in the backcountry, consider sharing your observations with us and fellow recreationists via the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

The past week of warm weather has formed moist and crusty surfaces which will be buried by 15-25 cm of new snow by Monday afternoon. There is some uncertainty about how well the new snow will bond to these interfaces. The snowpack is generally strong and settled, with the exception of some areas in the eastern and northern parts of the region that have weak faceted snow near the base of the snowpack. However, this layer is considered dormant and has not produced an avalanche since February 20.

Terrain and Travel

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

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.