Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 15th, 2018 4:58PM

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

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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Northwest Inland.

Watch for wind slabs in lee features at higher elevations. Use caution if wet snow is found at low elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY:  Mix of sun and cloud, light northeasterly winds, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level rising to 1300 m.SATURDAY: Partly cloudy, light easterly winds, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1300 m.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northwesterly winds, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1300 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed in the region on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Variable snow surfaces are found in the region.  In the east of the region, 5 to 10 cm of snow fell onto a melt-freeze crust from recent warm temperatures and rain.  In the west of the region, the melt-freeze crust is on the surface.  Wet snow may still exists at low elevations on all aspects.  High elevation north aspects may have lingering wind slabs in immediate lee features.  This overlies a surface hoar and sugary facet layer in sheltered locations.A surface hoar and crust layer from January is buried around 80 to 140 cm in the southwest of the region. This layer still has the potential to be triggered from a thin snowpack spot, or with a large trigger like a cornice fall.Sugary facets exist at the bottom of the snowpack in steep, rocky, and shallow snowpack areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
New snow in the east of the region likely formed wind slabs in immediate lee features.  Wind slabs from the past few days also linger in lee and cross-loaded features.
Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 16th, 2018 2:00PM

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