Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2022 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Rising temperatures and sun will increase the likelihood of wet avalanche activity at all elevations. 

Take care on terrain features where wet or heavy surface snow is present.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how the snowpack will react to the forecast weather.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy. 5-10 mm of rain at low elevations, wet snow likely above. Freezing levels drop from 1800 to 1500 m as precipitation ends. Moderate southwest winds. 

MONDAY: Skies begin to clear and freezing levels rise to 2000 m. Scattered flurries possible in the morning. Light northerly winds. 

TUESDAY: No overnight refreeze is expected. Freezing levels rise toward 3000 m Tuesday morning and drop over the day to 1500 m with mostly clear skies. Light southerly winds. 

WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with possible flurries. Freezing levels around 1000 m. Moderate westerly winds. 

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported.

We would expect small wet avalanches to have occurred in steep alpine and treeline terrain affected by rainfall and warm temperatures. 

If you venture into the mountains, please share any observations on the Mountain Information Network

Snowpack Summary

Moist snow or a melt freeze crust exists to mountain top. The crust may break down as temperatures rise, and on south facing slopes as the sun pokes out.

The snowpack below is considered well settled. In most areas, snowpack depths at below treeline elevations are below threshold for avalanche activity. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

As sunshine and warm temperatures weaken the snow surface, wet avalanches become more likely. Watch for wet and heavy surface snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2022 4:00PM