Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2020 8:00AM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Parks Canada mike smallwood, Parks Canada

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Another sunny day will heat up solar aspects, increasing the hazard until the clouds move in

Summary

Weather Forecast

Solar input again for most of the day, freezing level rising to 1500m. Skies will cloud over this afternoon with up to 5cm falling this evening and overnight with wind shifting to the SW and becoming strong. Tomorrow snowfall will continue with light W wind and falling temperatures. Tuesday the snowfall is due to decrease ahead of a weak ridge.

Snowpack Summary

Surface crusts exist on all aspects to 1300m and on SE-W into the alpine. Surface hoar has been developing over the last few nights to 3mm with shady sheltered pockets in the trees up to 10mm. Wind affected surfaces in exposed tree line and the alpine vary from impenetrable to skis to punchy in places.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous sz 1 - 1.5 and a few sz 2 loose wet avalanches observed this week. A glide slab release also occurred naturally overnight on the 20th on the S side of Cheops, sz 1.5.

Please report backcountry avalanche observations using the Avalanche Canada Mountain Information Network.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Moist snow has the potential to release due to the heat of the sun, entraining slopes below

  • Use extra caution on slopes if the surface snow is moist.
  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2020 8:00AM