Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 3rd, 2015 8:55AM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Watch for thin wind slabs in the alpine that could be problematic, especially in complex terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Increasing cloud cover. Light SW winds at treeline, Moderate NW winds at ridgetop. Freezing level rising to 800m, lowering to valley bottom overnight. No significant precipitation. Wednesday Night: 1 to 2cm of snow. Thursday: 2 to 5cm of snow. Moderate SW winds at treeline, Strong to Extreme SW winds at ridgetop. Freezing level rising to 800m, holding there through Thursday night. Friday: No significant precipitation. Light SW winds at treeline, Strong W/SW winds at ridgetop. Freezing level holding at approx. 1000m.

Avalanche Summary

Over the weekend avalanches to size 3 were reported from steep un-skiable south through west facing terrain features and isolated cornice fall produced a few slabs out of extreme terrain. Very thin wind slabs on NE facing alpine features were also observed. Glide cracks are starting to open up too.

Snowpack Summary

Northerly winds have likely created isolated stiff thin wind slabs in lee alpine terrain. A variety of other surfaces can be found including a skiff of recent snow, a sun crust, an old rain crust, surface hoar, and/or surface facets. At the base of the snowpack, weak facets may be found. Keep an eye out for cornices that could become weak with daytime warming.

Problems

Wind Slabs

North and West winds have created stiff thin wind slabs. These slabs have been fairly stubborn, but you may be able to trigger one in steep and or convex terrain. Keep an eye out for large cornices which may fail without obvious rhyme or reason.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 4th, 2015 2:00PM