Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 2nd, 2021 4:01PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.

Ian Jackson,

Little Yoho.

We will see clearing skies and the first major warmup of the spring so far over the next few days. Expect avalanche activity on solar aspects as the sun packs a punch this time of year!

Summary

Weather Forecast

A ridge is building over the region on Wednesday, bringing clear skies and easing winds. Temperatures look to be warm and there will be significant solar input on south through west aspects. Thursday and Friday look to be clear but with winds increasing which may help to keep temperatures cool.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds have blown the recent storm snow into windslabs in alpine lee areas and exposed tree line slopes. In Kootenay and around Lake Louise we are tracking two persistent layers of facets and suncrust down 30-80 cm that are producing avalanches and test results. Heads up, these layers are isolated but have been reactive to skiiers recently

Avalanche Summary

Two close calls in the Simpson area of Kootenay Park last weekend. South aspect at treeline and below treeline in the burnt forest is the pattern. With the huge increase in skier traffic in this area, do not lose sight of the fact that this is TIGER COUNTRY. Big slopes, steep runs, and common to get avalanches on buried crusts in March.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Loose Wet

Clear weather and warm temperatures are forecast over the next 3 days. The March sun is strong, and will pack a punch on solar aspects. Steep, rocky terrain with thin snowpacks will be the most susceptible

Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.
Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Sustained strong winds from the SW have blown the recent storm snow into windslabs in open areas. These could be quite deep in immediate lee areas. Check this on small slopes with no consequence and extrapolate to the bigger terrain.

Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created slabs over weaker snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2021 4:00PM