Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 18th, 2014–Mar 19th, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

The solar affect will be strong until it clouds over later today, this may cause loose avalanches on sunny aspects or trigger a storm slab instability.

Weather Forecast

Brief ridge of high pressure will maintain dry conditions until this evening when a Pacific frontal system approaches the interior. Expect increasing cloudiness throughout the day and light snow to begin tonight. Light to moderate snow amounts are forecast for tomorrow into Thursday morning.

Snowpack Summary

80 to 90cm of recent storm snow overlies the Mar 13 and 14 crusts that are within 10cm of each other on solar aspects. The 13th being a lot thicker. Snowpack tests yesterday on this layer produced a Rutschblock 3 whole block . Below this the Mar 2 crust is down 110-130cm and below that the Feb 10 layer is down around 2 to 2.25m.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural avalanches from size 2.0 to 2.5 within the highway corridor from early yesterday.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Lingering storm slabs instabilities may exist from the last storm two days ago and the associated wind. 2 crusts have been recently buried by this. Caution in more exposed areas where the wind had a chance to stiffen the snow.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer from early March within the range of rider triggering may catch you by surprise. Triggering this layer is more likely on steep south and west aspects where the crust had a chance to fully form.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The deep instability from mid February , down around 2m will need a large trigger to be initiated like a cornice fall or shallower avalanche. It should not be overlooked by backcountry users due to the large consequences should it be triggered.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 4