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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 18th, 2022–Mar 19th, 2022
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Lizard-Flathead.

Reactive wind slabs may exist at upper elevations and continue to form throughout the day. 

Be cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain and avoid freshly wind-loaded areas.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Active weather continues, with a series of frontal systems moving inland bringing light amounts of new snow.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, trace to 5cm accumulation. Light to moderate southwesterly winds. Freezing level 1000 m. 

SATURDAY: Snowing, 5-10 cm of accumulation. Moderate to strong southwesterly winds. Freezing level rising to 1700 m, dropping to 1000 m overnight.

SUNDAY: Snowing, trace to 5 cm of accumulation. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 1500 m, dropping to 500 m overnight.

MONDAY: Cloudy with light flurries. Moderate southwesterly winds. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

Wind slabs are expected to form throughout the day and be reactive to human-triggering in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline.

A natural cycle occurred during Tuesday's storm. The cycle involved many size 2 storm slab avalanches at upper elevations and wet loose avalanches below treeline. Storm snow was still reactive to explosives on Friday and Thursday, but looking forward avalanches will be most likely on wind-loaded slopes.

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm of new snow overlies 20 to 40 cm of heavy powder at upper elevations, while warm temperatures have left moist and crusty surfaces below roughly 1700 m. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers, and the snow is well bonded to these crusts.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect and exposure to wind.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Expect to find freshly wind-loaded features that may be reactive to human triggers as snowfall and southwest winds create wind slabs in lee features in the alpine and treeline.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2