Warm temperatures and new snow will keep avalanche hazard elevated. There is a complex mix of avalanche problems as we start to transition to a more typical spring snowpack.
Weather Forecast
Today will be cloudy with scattered flurries, with freezing level rising to 1500m and winds from the SW at 20-30kph. A frontal system passing over the southern province will bring 5-10 cm to Rogers Pass today before a ridge of high pressure moves in and brings clearer skies and warmer temps.
Snowpack Summary
March was a snowy month with snowfall in the alpine almost every day. In the last week we received 60cm at treeline. Yesterday daytime warming turned the surface snow moist on all but due north facing slopes in the alpine. Multiple crusts exist in the upper snowpack at treeline & below. Cornices keep growing in the alpine and should not be trusted!
Avalanche Summary
Yesterday numerous moist avalanches were observed triggered by the intense solar and warm daytime temps. A field team observed a sz 2 glide crack release on a South east aspect below treeline. There are minimal reports from skiers/riders in the back country as fewer people are out there and we transition into spring.
Confidence
Freezing levels are uncertain
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Loose Wet
Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.
Cornices
Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.