Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 17th, 2022 3:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Mikey,
Avalanche Canada
Good skiing can be found at all elevations. Spring is here and so are the quickly changing conditions. Be prepared to adjust your objective according to the solar input.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Mainly cloudy for Friday with light flurries and a total of 6cm expected. Alpine temperature will reach -3c with moderate SW alpine winds.
Avalanche Summary
Several loose dry up were observed on north faces. One cornice fall (last 24hrs) produced a size two on a North aspect near Sweet 16
Snowpack Summary
Another 5cm of snow fell bringing the recent snowfall up to 40cm. This snow is settling under the influence of the warmer temperatures and moderate SW winds building new windslabs in the alpine. As winds continue, we expect these slabs to continue to develop, so keep an eye on localized winds. Moist snow was found on solar aspects above 2000m.
On steep solar aspects, there are two crusts of concern. A crust was formed in early March and is found about 30-40cm down and was producing a hard clean sheer in only one pit dug. The Feb 19 crust is down about 60-80cm. There is still uncertainty with the reactivity of these crusts. Take the time to dig and evaluate these layers on steep solar aspects.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Continuing snow, wind and warm temps will continue to build wind slabs at treeline and above.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Carefully evaluate the bond with the early March and Feb 19th crusts down 40 and 70cm. Recent wind loading will make this problem more reactive, as will periods of intense solar input.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 18th, 2022 3:00PM
