Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 5th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.
Kate Ryan,
Some sneaky storm slabs are still reactive to skier triggering in isolated locations- assess convex rolls carefully.
Expect some bumpy, refrozen snow for travel in the morning on solar slopes and all aspects below treeline!
Summary
Weather Forecast
We are into a cooling/drying trend after our warm wet weather from earlier this week, with high pressure building over Rogers Pass.
Tonight: Cloudy with clear periods. Low -11*C. Moderate N wind.
Sun: Mix of sun and cloud. Low -11*C, High -8*C. Light W wind.
Mon: Flurries, trace accumulations. High -8*C. Light W wind with moderate gusts.
Snowpack Summary
Fluctuating temps have settled the upper snowpack & created a surface crust below 1500m (higher on solars).
Up to 45cm of snowfall early in the week with warm temps and a brief wind spike, created storm slabs over the Feb 26th interface - wind effect in open areas, small surface hoar and facets in sheltered terrain, and sun crust on steep solars.
Avalanche Summary
A possible skier accidental size 1.5 slab avalanche occurred in the top of the Teddy Bear trees area today.
Several size 1-1.5 loose snow avalanches have been triggered by the sun on steep slopes at all elevations over the past few days.
Confidence
The weather pattern is stable
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs buried a mix of surfaces; firm windslabs in all open terrain, sun crust on steep solar aspects below treeline, and small surface hoar and facets in sheltered areas.
- If the sun stays out exercise caution on steep South and West aspects in the afternoon.
- Lingering storm slabs may still be reactive on specific terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
The March sun has some punch, and may trigger loose snow avalanches on solar aspects during the heat of the day.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
- Use extra caution on solar slopes or if the snow is moist or wet.
Aspects: South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 6th, 2022 4:00PM
