Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 13th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ghelgeson,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for pockets of wind slab in exposed terrain as we've had wind from around the compass rose over the last 72 hours. Sunday looks beautiful and then the weather changes once again Monday afternoon.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Beautiful weather Sunday and then warmer temperatures + snow possible as we enter the work week.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Overnight low around -22 C, light to moderate east/northeast wind, trace of snow possible.
SUNDAY: Mostly clear skies, daytime high around -13 C, light to moderate northwest wind, no snow expected.
MONDAY: Broken cloud cover, daytime high around -5 C, strong south/southwest wind, 2 to 8 cm of snow possible in the afternoon with 5 to 10 cm possible Monday night.
TUESDAY: Broken cloud cover, daytime high around -4 C, strong south/southwest wind, potential for 5 to 10 cm of snow.
Avalanche Summary
There were some wind slabs observed on Friday in this MIN that likely ran during the storm on Thursday night. No other activity to report.
Snowpack Summary
Almost 20 cm fell Thursday into Friday which adds to the 10 to 15 that fell earlier this week. You can stay up to date with snowfall with the Fraser Camp Wx Station which is back up and running. This new snow is sitting on a sun crust on solar aspects. Wind slabs were touchy during the storm but have quickly grown resistant to human triggering. Many parties were able to find great riding Friday in wind sheltered terrain. The wind picked up again late Friday into early Saturday.
There are no deeper concerns in the snowpack at this time.
Things are a little different in the Wheaton's continental snowpack. It's a weak snowpack dominated by sugary facets and depth hoar, the icing is either layers or a fat cap of harder cohesive slab. It's an untrustworthy structure that requires really good terrain selection and travel habits, or a healthy dose of luck.
Terrain and Travel
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
- Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for fresh wind slabs on all aspects as wind has been all over the map as of late. On Thursday wind was from the southwest. A bit of east/northeast wind crept in Friday night into Saturday and northwest wind is expected on Sunday. These wind slabs seem to be short-lived, but factor them into your travel plans, especially if you're heading to more committing features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 15th, 2021 4:00PM
