Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 20th, 2015 9:51AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

This forecast was created using limited field data. If you've been out in the mountains, please share what you've observed through the Mountain Information Network. For details, check-out: http://www.avalanche.ca/news/VMgrmyUAAJQpmL6o/min-how-to

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Light flurries and a mix on sun and cloud are expected for the forecast period. Freezing levels are expected to sit between 1200m and 1400m. Winds should remain generally moderate from the southwest.

Avalanche Summary

I'm sure human wind slab triggering will be possible over the weekend. Check out the blue dot on our Forecast Region Overview Map for details on a recently triggered wind slab avalanche.

Snowpack Summary

New snow has landed on recently formed wind slabs and wind-scoured surfaces. Weaknesses buried in the upper snowpack include hard crusts, surface hoar, and/or surface facets. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Cornices are large and potentially fragile. Below treeline, the snow appears to be in a spring melt-freeze cycle.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs have likely formed in response to wind and light snow accumulations on Friday. Watch for triggering in gullies and in the lee of ridge crests.

Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 21st, 2015 2:00PM