Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 3rd, 2018 4:42PM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeThe sun packs a powerful punch this time of year. Increase your caution around slopes that see direct sunshine on Sunday.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud with greater cloud cover in the east of the region. Light southwest winds. Alpine high temperatures of -10.Monday: Mainly cloudy with isolated light flurries and a trace of new snow. Moderate southwest winds. Alpine high temperatures of -11.Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest winds, increasing in the afternoon. Alpine high temperatures of -12.
Avalanche Summary
Over the past week there have been reports of both natural and skier triggered loose dry avalanches in steep terrain, as well as skier and explosive triggered storm slab avalanches up to size 1 that were reported on Monday.Last weekend there were two reports of snowmobilers triggering a size 1.5 and size 2 wind slab releases on northeast to east aspects between 2000-2100 m in the Window mountain area.
Snowpack Summary
After 10-25 cm of new snow fell over Friday night, about 25-40 cm of accumulated storm snow now covers previously wind-scoured, westerly slopes and old hard and soft wind slabs on leeward, easterly alpine and treeline slopes. Beneath these old wind slabs lies a well-settled mid-pack. The lower snowpack is generally weak with two primary concerns that are widespread:1) A widespread weak layer from mid-December composed of facets, crusts, and surface hoar that is 100-150 cm deep.2) A rain crust with sugary facets buried in late November near the bottom of the snowpack.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Our new snow will need time to settle and bond to the surface. As it does, natural avalanching will taper off while slabs remain reactive to human triggering. Stick to supported slopes and expect direct sunshine to quickly destabilize the new snow.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.Watch for signs of instability such as recent avalanches or shooting cracks.Avoid exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Deeply buried weak layers are lingering near the base of the snowpack. These layers are most likely to be triggered from thin or variable snowpack areas or with a large load like a cornice fall.
Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 4th, 2018 2:00PM