Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 1st, 2016 8:30AM

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

Avalanche Canada ccampbell, Avalanche Canada

Touchy and growing storm slabs will keep avalanche danger elevated this week. Riding should be great, but a conservative approach is recommended. Stick to simple terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: continued snowfall throughout the day with 5-10cm of accumulation before tapering off late in the day. Freezing levels are expected to reach 1500m with light southwesterly ridgetop winds. THURSDAY: Periods of snow with 3-5cm of accumulation expected throughout the day. Freezing levels reaching 1700m with light to moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds. FRIDAY: Another 3-5cm of accumulation expected throughout the day. Freezing levels reaching 2000m with light to moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds.

Avalanche Summary

Reports from Monday include a brief natural storm and wind slab avalanche cycle, with avalanches up to Size 2.5 running running early Monday morning in response to snow loading and gusty winds. These fresh storm and wind slabs should increase in size and sensitivity and become much more widespread as they build throughout the week.

Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm thick fresh storm slabs are bonding poorly to on a crust on sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A couple sun crusts might exist in the top 50 cm on southerly aspects.  The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 70-100cm but triggering this layer has become unlikely. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Fresh storm slabs are primed for human triggering. Particularly touchy wind slabs are lurking below ridge crests, behind terrain features and in cross loaded gullies.
Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

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

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