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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 11th, 2021–Mar 12th, 2021

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

Regions

Sea To Sky.

Lingering wind slabs remain a concern at upper elevations, especially on northerly aspects. Watch for denser, deeper drifts near ridge-crests and rollovers.

Confidence

Moderate - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT - Mainly clear with cloudy periods / moderate west wind / alpine low temperature near -5 

FRIDAY - Cloudy with sunny breaks, with a chance of flurries / light to moderate southwest wind / alpine high temperature near -1 / freezing level 1500 m

SATURDAY - Mainly sunny / moderate to strong south wind / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 2100 m

SUNDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / moderate to strong south wind / alpine high temperature near 0 / freezing level 2100 m

Avalanche Summary

Wind slabs remain possible to trigger, particularly on northerly aspects in the alpine. Large cornices remain a concern, especially during the heat of the day.

There have been reports most days this week of a few natural and/or human-triggered wind slab and dry loose avalanches, ranging between size 1-2, as well as natural size 1 loose wet avalanches on solar aspects at lower elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs can be found on leeward slopes at upper elevations and remain possible to trigger. Solar aspects likely have a crust on the surface, and soft, dry snow can be found in sheltered, shaded areas. Massive cornices exist on ridgelines, which can act as triggers on slopes below.

The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong in most areas. A weak layer of facets buried in mid-February may still be found but has been gaining strength.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • 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.