Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 5th, 2016 8:41AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Watch for new wind slab formation at higher elevations and stay back from cornices.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

On Sunday expect 10-15cm of snow at higher elevations, strong southwest winds and freezing levels at about 1900m. On Monday and Tuesday, the region should see a mix of sun and cloud, light to moderate winds and freezing levels at about 1300m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. New wind slab activity is expected with snow and wind forecast for Saturday night and Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

15-25cm of recent storm snow with strong southwest winds have formed wind slabs in leeward features. The recent snowfall may overlie a sun crust on steep solar aspects or small surface hoar in isolated sheltered areas. The recent wind has also formed cornices which are reported to be large and weak . Old weak layers can still be found in the snowpack but these layers are reported to be well bonded and triggering has become unlikely.

Problems

Cornices

Cornices are reported to be very large and weak. Stay well back from ridgecrests, and watch your overhead hazard as a cornice fall could trigger a large avalanche on the slope below.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Newly formed wind slabs are expected to be reactive to human-triggering in higher elevation lee terrain.

Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Rain at lower elevations will promote pushy loose wet avalanche activity. Loose wet avalanches can entrain mass quickly and travel long distances.

Be cautious of wet sluffing in steep terrain.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2016 2:00PM