Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada grant statham, Avalanche Canada

The 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

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing 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

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing 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

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2016 4:00PM