Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2022 3:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mkoppang, Avalanche Canada

Everyday some snow falls but not the big pulse that we are expecting. Pay close attention to snow amounts in the valley you are travelling. Some drainages have seen more snow that others. Winds continue at the upper elevations. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

Forecasts vary with regards to snowfall amounts overnight but its likely around 5cm or up to 10cm may fall by the end of the day on Wednesday. Winds will continue to be moderate before beginning to ease as colder air moves into the region on Thursday. Temperature will be around -2C for a daytime high with freezing levels around 2000m. We are seeing a gradual increase in avalanche danger with the small pulses of snow so keep an eye on localized snowfall amounts. Some valleys definitely have more snow amounts than others. 

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed in the Aster lake region on Tuesday. 

Snowpack Summary

5-15cm of recent snow (drainage dependent) with continuing SW winds are redistributing the previous and new snow available for transport. Forecasters found a variety of windslabs in open TL features today int he aster lake region with a distinct increase in slab stiffness over 2400m. This sits on top of the Feb 19th interface, sun crusts on solar aspects and hard wind slabs everywhere else. This layer is perfect for a sliding layer. watch for reactivity as the load increases.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid lee and cross-loaded slopes at and above treeline.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Strong SW winds are creating extensive fresh wind slabs in Alpine and Treeline terrain. These slabs will become increasing reactive with the incoming snow and continues strong winds.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2022 3:00PM