Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 19th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
zryan,
Avalanche Canada
Reactive wind slabs may exist at upper elevations. Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation and aspect.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.
Weather Forecast
SATURDAY NIGHT: Snowing, trace to 10 cm of accumulation. Moderate to strong westerly winds. 1800 m freezing level dropping to 500 m.
SUNDAY: Partially cloudy with the potential for scattered flurries. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 1400 m in the afternoon.
MONDAY: Cloudy with light flurries, up to 5 cm of accumulation. Light to moderate southwesterly winds. Freezing level rising to 1500 m in the afternoon.
TUESDAY: Mainly cloudy, light flurries. Moderate to strong westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 3000 m in the afternoon.
Avalanche Summary
Wind slab avalanches are possible in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline.
A natural cycle occurred during Tuesday's storm. The cycle involved many size 2 storm slab avalanches at upper elevations and wet loose avalanches below treeline. Storm snow was still reactive to explosives on Friday and Thursday, but looking forward avalanches will be most likely on wind-loaded slopes.
Snowpack Summary
10-15 cm of recent snowfall overlies 20 to 40 cm of heavy powder at upper elevations, while warm temperatures have left moist and crusty surfaces below roughly 1800 m. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers, and the snow is well bonded to these crusts.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect and exposure to wind.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Expect to find freshly wind-loaded features that may be reactive to human triggers as snowfall and westerly winds create wind slabs in lee features in the alpine and treeline.
Cornices have grown significantly in the past two weeks. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridge-lines and minimize overhead exposure to large cornices.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 20th, 2022 4:00PM
