Warm temperature and sunshine will destabilize the snowpack throughout the day, especially on steep slopes that are baking in the sun. Timing, thoughtful terrain choices and conservative decision-making are essential for safe travel in the backcountry.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast Uncertainty is due to the fact that cornice falls are particularly difficult to forecast.
Weather Forecast
A frontal wave draped across southern B.C. will keep the southeast regions mostly dry for Sunday.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Clear with cloudy periods. No precipitation. 15-25 km/h southwesterly winds. Low alpine temperature -2 C with freezing level around 2000 m.
SUNDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. No precipitation. 10-15 km/h southwesterly winds. High alpine temperature +9 C with freezing level around 3000 m.
MONDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. No precipitation. 20-25 km/h southwesterly winds. High alpine temperature +8 C with freezing level around 2500 m.
TUESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Trace of precipitation. 15-25 km/h northeasterly winds. High alpine temperature +3 C with freezing level around 1700 m.
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, a few small loose wet avalanches were reported during the warmest part of the day.
Remember that a lack of reported avalanches does not necessarily mean that there is a lack of avalanche activity. If you are out in the backcountry, and have photos, conditions updates, or even just good vibes to share, consider making a post on the Mountain Information Network.Â
Snowpack Summary
In high elevation, shady terrain, a skiff of cold, dry snow may be found on top of firm surfaces. Refrozen crust on all aspects up to 2000 m and on solar aspects in the alpine. Surfaces are softening in the afternoon at low elevations, and on steep, sunny slopes. Recent warm temperatures, sun, and rain have made the top 10-15 cm of the snowpack moist. At very low elevations, the snowpack may be wet and isothermal, depending on overnight freezing levels.Â
The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well bonded.
Terrain and Travel
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
- Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
Problems
Loose Wet
Wtih minimal overnight cooling forecasted, the surface snow may not solidly refreeze at lower elevations. Loose wet avalanches have been common on steep, sunny slopes.
Paying close attention to how thick and supportive the surface crust is throughout the day, and sticking to shady slopes when the sun is packing a punch are good ways to avoid any wet loose avalanche problems.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Warm temperatures may cause cornices to become weak. Cornice failures are dangerous on their own, but also have the potential to trigger larger avalanches on the slopes below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 27th, 2022 3:00PM
