Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2021 4:00PM

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

MBender, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Expect spring sun and warm temperatures to increase the hazard as the day progresses. Keep an eye on steep slopes facing the sun in the heat of the day.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY Night- Mostly clear / moderate southwest wind / alpine high -5 C /freezing level 1500 m

THURSDAY- Mix of sun and cloud / moderate southwest wind / alpine high-2 / freezing level 2100 m

FRIDAY - Partly cloudy / moderate southwest wind / alpine high of -2 / freezing level 2000 m

SATURDAY - Mix of sun and cloud / light southwest wind / alpine high temperature near 0 C / freezing level 2400 m.

Avalanche Summary

There were no field observations on Tuesday and Wednesday, but neighbouring regions reported size 1-2.5 avalanches from Monday/Tuesday.

Natural avalanches up to size 2 were reported by our field team on Monday. On the east slope there were reports of storm slabs forming during the day that were reactive to ski cutting in the size 1.5 range.Â

Snowpack Summary

The 20-40 cm of recent storm snow appears to be bonding well to previous melt freeze crusts from mid March that were found on all but steep north facing alpine slopes. Moderate northerly winds have been transporting snow and forming new wind slab in lee features. Cornices are reported to be large and looming. With rising freezing levels and sunny skies, snow will likely loose strength as it gets moist at lower elevations and upper elevations on solar aspects.Â

The mid-pack is firm and well settled. Some faceted snow and a decomposing melt-freeze crust can be found near the base of the snowpack.

Terrain and Travel

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Extra caution for areas experiencing rapidly warming temperatures for the first time.
Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches in steep southerly terrain should be on your radar with sunny skies and freezing levels rising to ridge top on Thursday.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong westerly winds have been loading lee terrain, especially near ridge crests. Also watch for stiffer wind slabs in more exposed, open terrain.

Sheltered terrain out of the wind will provide better quality riding.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Recent strong southwest through northwest winds have been building fresh cornice growth.

Cornices falls can be a hazard on their own, and can also act as a trigger for avalanches on the slopes below.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2021 4:00PM