Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2019 3:42PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

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Dry snow can be found on north-facing alpine slopes, but this is where triggering slab avalanches may still be possible.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with clear periods, light north wind, alpine temperatures drop to -3 C.MONDAY: A few clouds in the morning and then sunny in the afternoon, light north wind, freezing level to 1800 m.TUESDAY: Sunny, light wind, freezing level to 1800 m.WEDNESDAY: Increasing cloud with flurries starting in the evening, light south wind, freezing level to 1800 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, a few large (size 2-3) skier triggered slab avalanches were reported on north-facing slopes above 2300 m. Some other smaller slabs have been reported in the same type of terrain over the past few days, highlighting the fact winter-like conditions can still be found in shaded alpine terrain. Small loose wet avalanches remain possible on sun-exposed slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Most slopes have entered a daily melt-freeze cycle, with the exception of north-facing terrain above roughly 2000 m. On these colder slopes, you may find 10-30 cm of dry powder or isolated wind slabs. These same slopes may also have a layer of faceted grains buried 50 to 70 cm below the surface. This layer has been responsible for a few large isolated avalanches over the past few days. Elsewhere, the surface has been melting each day and then freezing into a hard crust overnight. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Slab avalanches remain possible to trigger in shaded alpine terrain, particularly on large steep convex rolls.
Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Be careful around wind loaded pockets near ridge crests and roll-overs.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2019 2:00PM