Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 2nd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet, Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Ian Jackson,
We will see clearing skies and the first major warmup of the spring so far over the next few days. Expect avalanche activity on solar aspects as the sun packs a punch this time of year!
Summary
Weather Forecast
A ridge is building over the region on Wednesday, bringing clear skies and easing winds. Temperatures look to be warm and there will be significant solar input on south through west aspects. Thursday and Friday look to be clear but with winds increasing which may help to keep temperatures cool.
Snowpack Summary
Strong SW winds have blown the recent storm snow into windslabs in alpine lee areas and exposed tree line slopes. In Kootenay and around Lake Louise we are tracking two persistent layers of facets and suncrust down 30-80 cm that are producing avalanches and test results. Heads up, these layers are isolated but have been reactive to skiiers recently
Avalanche Summary
Two close calls in the Simpson area of Kootenay Park last weekend. South aspect at treeline and below treeline in the burnt forest is the pattern. With the huge increase in skier traffic in this area, do not lose sight of the fact that this is TIGER COUNTRY. Big slopes, steep runs, and common to get avalanches on buried crusts in March.
Confidence
Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain
Problems
Loose Wet
Clear weather and warm temperatures are forecast over the next 3 days. The March sun is strong, and will pack a punch on solar aspects. Steep, rocky terrain with thin snowpacks (eastern regions) will be the most susceptible
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.
Aspects: South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Sustained strong winds from the SW have blown the recent storm snow into windslabs in open areas. These could be quite deep in immediate lee areas. Check this on small slopes with no consequence and extrapolate to the bigger terrain.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created slabs over weaker snow.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Two weak facet interfaces exist in the top meter of the snowpack. On south aspects this problem could be associated with a sun crust. These layers are present in many areas, but we have uncertainty on where they will be reactive.
- Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2021 4:00PM
