Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 13th, 2019 5:03PM

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

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

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Storm slabs may be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas, and on steep, sun exposed slopes if the sun comes out.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / southwest wind, 10-20 km/h / alpine low temperature near -10THURSDAY - Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 1300 mFRIDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods / southwest winds 10-25 km/h / alpine high temperature near -7 / freezing level 1500 mSATURDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / southwest winds, 10-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near -3 / freezing level 1700 m

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, there were numerous reports of natural and explosives triggered avalanches up to size 2.5, as well as human triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 1.5. Some of these were remoted triggered (triggered from a distance).On Monday, there were reports of human triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 1.5 and natural storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5.Reports on Saturday and Sunday include several natural and human triggered storm slab, loose dry and wind slab avalanches to size 1.5.

Snowpack Summary

30-60 cm of storm snow from the last week is sitting mainly on facets (sugary snow), as well as surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas and a crust on sun exposed slopes. There are a two weak layers in the upper snowpack that were buried in mid and late January. These can be found approximately 60-120 cm deep. Both layers consist of surface hoar and may be associated with a crust on steep, south facing slopes. These weak layers have been most reactive at lower elevations. Avalanche occurrences on these layers have tapered significantly, however it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche on these layers in isolated areas such as steep cutblocks and large open glades.The lower snowpack is generally considered to be strong, except for shallow, rocky areas where the cold temperatures continue to facet (weaken) the snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
30-60 cm of recent storm snow came in with moderate to strong southwest wind. Storm slabs may continue to be reactive, especially in wind loaded areas.
Use caution around wind loaded pockets near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 14th, 2019 2:00PM