Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 6th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada Mark Herbison, Parks Canada

Cornices have grown with recent snow and winds, limit your exposure time to overhead hazards.

Great snow quality in sheltered locations!

Summary

Weather Forecast

The snow fall continues, with accumulations ranging from 10-15cm by Saturday evening. The winds will be moderate from the South and the temps will range from -5 to -15. Cooler temps, moderate winds and clearing skies for Sunday into Monday.

Snowpack Summary

50-70 cm has fallen in the past week with strong Westerly winds. Expect to find wind slabs in lee areas and exposed terrain features. The recent snow is piling up and buries sun crust on steep solar aspects and the Feb 1 crust in isolated areas up to 1900m. Generally this area has a strong snowpack, with snow depths over 300 cm in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Reports of two deep persistent slab avalanches on Thursday in the alpine from South to East aspects; a sz 3 triggered by cornice fall and a sz 2.5 from explosive avalanche control.

Several natural storm slabs up to sz 2.5 observed along highway 93S Wednesday where intense wind loading was occurring.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Expect to find wind and storm slab formation on lee aspects and open areas from the alpine to below tree line. Loose dry sluffing from steep terrain is also a concern, especially in gulleys, terrain traps & above cliffs with ongoing snowfall & wind.

  • Watch for fresh wind slabs on exposed lee slopes and open areas at all elevations.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 7th, 2020 4:00PM