Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 3rd, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
deryl kelly,
Parks Canada
Moderate SW winds and new snow continue to build slabs and cornices through the region. These are ripe for triggering and may initiate the deep instability. Stick to low consequence terrain while the snowpack has time to settle with the new load.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Wednesday - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alp High -12 °C. Ridge wind w 25 km/h gusting to 70 km/h.
Thursday - Periods of snow 13 cm. Alp Low -14 °C, High -7 °C. Ridge wind sw 20 km/h gusting to 55 km/h.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow overlies a variety of surfaces depending on aspect and elevation. New wind slabs forming on lee aspects. The Columbia Icefields region has a well bridged mid pack overlying basal facets and depth hoar. The northern part of the forecast region has a generally shallower snow pack that is less bridged.
Avalanche Summary
No Road patrol today. No new avalanches were observed or reported.
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Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind effect and windslab are common through the region with varied reactivity. Ridge tops and immediate lee features pose the most obvious hazard to triggering but anywhere with visible wind effect can pose a threat.
- Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
- Use caution in lee areas. New snowfall mixed with wind loading will created slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
New snow will need some time to settle and stabilize.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Skier triggering could occur in shallow snowpack areas or from large load. The consequences of triggering would be severe! Caution traveling, skiing and climbing in run out zones as avalanche have the potential to run full path
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
- Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 4th, 2020 4:00PM
