Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2019 4:13PM

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

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

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The weather is expected to be a mix of sun, cloud and flurries. If the sun comes out for extended periods of time, consider the hazard to be MODERATE at all elevations. For more information on dealing with these types of conditions, click here

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / light easterly winds / alpine low temperature near 0 SUNDAY - A mix of sun and cloud with scattered flurries, 2-4 cm / light southwest wind / alpine high temperature near +2 / freezing level 1900 mMONDAY -  A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries / light northeast winds / alpine high temperature near +2 / freezing level 2000 mTUESDAY -  A mix of sun and cloud / light easterly winds / alpine high temperature near +3 / freezing level 2000 m

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, there were reports of a few size 1 loose wet avalanches in the Fernie area.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is likely a crust everywhere but high elevation, north facing terrain, where the snow remains dry. The crust will likely break down (melt) during the day as temperatures rise and the sun comes out. The snowpack on sun exposed slopes in the alpine and all aspects at treeline and below may become moist or wet during the heat of the day, especially if the sun comes out.In these areas that have entered spring conditions, the avalanche hazard will fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the overnight freeze and how quickly the snowpack is warmed up each day. Check out this guide to managing avalanche hazard during spring conditions HERE.In areas that remained more sheltered from the heat, like northerly aspects in the alpine, there may still be a dry snowpack with a well settled slab sitting on weak facets (sugary snow). Human triggering of persistent slabs on this layer may still be possible; especially in rocky alpine terrain with a shallow or highly variable depth snowpack.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Sunshine and air temperatures above 0 C can rapidly increase the likelihood of triggering loose wet avalanches.
Avoid terrain traps such as cliffs and gullies that increase the consequence of small avalanches.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if the snow is moist or wet.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, travel early on exposed slopes.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2019 2:00PM