Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2016 8:41AM

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

Avalanche Canada esharp, Avalanche Canada

Avalanche hazard is expected to peak overnight due to strong winds that are forecast to taper off early Wednesday morning. If you wake up and the winds are still howling, the avalanche danger will be HIGH in the Alpine

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: heavy snow continues overnight with another 10-20cm expected by the end of the day, mainly light southwesterly winds, 1500m freezing level. THURSDAY: 10-15cm of new snow, moderate southwest winds, 1500m freezing level. FRIDAY: heavy snow, strong southerly winds, 2000m freezing level.

Avalanche Summary

Natural and artificially triggered avalanche activity was reported from across the region on Tuesday. Cornices remain large and fragile. They have been failing naturally and would likely collapse under the weight of a person.

Snowpack Summary

New snow and strong winds are going to  build fresh soft slabs overnight on Tuesday. The upper snow pack sits on a widespread crust at treeline and below as well as up to an elevation of about 2200m on aspects that see direct sun. In isolated sheltered north aspects it may sit on pockets of surface hoar or facets. Cornices are large and weak. The midpack is generally well settled.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Heavy snow and wind are resulting in a prolonged natural avalanche cycle. Human triggered avalanches are likely on steep unsupported slopes and in wind loaded features.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets >Avoid steep, open slopes.>Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by windloading may reach run out zones.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2016 2:00PM