Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2020 8:02AM

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

Parks Canada andrew jones, Parks Canada

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Glacier.

Avalanche hazard will increase throughout the day with the help of new snow and strong winds. The February 22nd surface hoar remains reactive to skier triggers.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Periods of snow and strong winds will accompany the passage of a warm front later today. Expect 15cm of snow with an additional 6cm early Wednesday morning. The alpine temperature will reach a high of -7.0 C with the freezing level climbing to 900m. Ridge winds will be SE 25 km/h gusting to 60 km/h.

Snowpack Summary

25cm+/- of storm snow has been redistributed by moderate southerly winds creating soft slabs in exposed areas. Below these slabs, the February 22nd persistent weak layer is now buried down 60-90cm, and consists of 3-7mm surface hoar on all aspects up to 2450m, and a crust on solar aspects. 15cm of storm snow is expected to fall today.

Avalanche Summary

Several solar triggered loose snow avalanches size 1.5 -2.0 have been observed in the highway corridor in the pas 48hrs. Received a MIN report of a size 2.0 skier accidental on Avalanche Crest, occurring yesterday at 14:30, and failing on the February 22 persistent surface hoar layer down approximately 60cm.

Confidence

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

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Heavy snow fall and strong winds are forecasted for today. The developing storm slab problem will push the avalanche hazard higher throughout the day.

  • If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

The February 22 Surface Hoar/ sun crust layer is down 70-110cm. Today's forecasted snowfall will add an additional load, bringing this layer closer to its tipping point. It's a likely depth for skier triggering in shallower snowpack areas.

  • Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
  • Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2020 8:00AM

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