Avalanche forecast

North Rockies

Mar 5 – 6, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Enjoy the sunny weather, but remain cautious around steep sun-exposed slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slabs may produce avalanches on leeward terrain features, especially near ridgetops.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Periods of sunshine could initiate wet loose avalanches on south-facing slopes. 

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear skies, light wind from the northwest, treeline temperatures drop to -10 C.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind from the northwest, treeline temperatures reach -5 C.

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light wind from the northwest, treeline temperatures reach -5 C.

MONDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries bringing 5-10 cm of snow, strong wind from the west, freezing level climbs to 1200 m with treeline temperatures reaching -3 C.

Avalanche Summary

Mild sunny weather has caused several natural wet loose avalanches on south-facing slopes and some cornice failures. There have also been a few small (size 1-1.5) human triggered slabs on north and east facing slopes over the past few days. These slabs have been in the top 20 to 30 cm of recent snow.

Snowpack Summary

Soft snow may be found on sheltered north-facing slopes, but otherwise the surface has a mix of sun crusts on south-facing slopes, wind-affected snow in the alpine, and moist/crusty snow at lower elevations. See the North Rockies field team's recent post from Renshaw for some photos. Other than some possible surface instabilities, the snowpack is strong and bonded.

Terrain and Travel

  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

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