Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 2nd, 2016 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeThe overall snowpack is slowly improving, but Thursday should see a short-term burst of windslab action as the 25cm of fluff on the ground will be blown around by strong winds in the alpine (>70 km/hr). Caution in immediate leeward areas.
Summary
Weather Forecast
The upper level flow puts our region back in the storm track, and a series of minor storms will cross the region over the next few days. Most of the punch will be to the west, but expect 5-10 cm on Thursday with strong alpine winds developing through the day. Temps at treeline will remain steady at -4 to -10 all week.
Snowpack Summary
20-30 cm of recent storm snow overlies suncrust and possibly a thin layer of surface hoar (unconfirmed). Below this, the middle of the snowpack is generally well consolidated in the deep areas but expect to find windslabs forming above treeline on Thursday as the strong winds in the forecast will move the new snow around.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed other than sluffing in really steep terrain.
Confidence
Problems
Persistent Slabs
We believe the persistent weak layers from January and February have a low likelihood of triggering, but are not yet prepared to say they are gone. The snowpack is strong, but check for yourself and look for surface hoar in the upper meter.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Strong winds on Thursday may create windslabs 30-40 cm deep in predictable areas leeward of ridges. Pay close attention to how the snow surface feels, and look for clues like cracking or ski test on small rolls.
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2016 4:00PM