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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 15th, 2022–Mar 16th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Rockies.

Wind slab avalanches are possible at upper elevations in the wake of the warm storm. Pay attention to changing conditions with elevation and aspect.

 

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow, moderate wind from the west, treeline temperatures cool to -8 C.

WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, no significant precipitation, moderate wind from the west, treeline temperatures climb to -4 C with freezing level reaching 1700 m.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate wind from the southwest, treeline temperatures up to -1 C with freezing level climbing to 2000 m.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with some isolated flurries bringing trace amounts of snow in the morning, moderate wind from the southwest, freezing level around 1800 m.

Avalanche Summary

The AvCan field team observed a several size 1.5 to 2 dry loose avalanches near Elkford on Tuesday, and we suspect a few natural wind slab avalanches occurred in alpine terrain. A few large (size 2.5) wind slab avalanches were also observed over the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of fresh snow should settle relatively quickly, although could remain reactive in wind-affected terrain. The surface is likely moist and crusty below roughly 1800 m. Several crusts can be found in the upper snowpack and recent observations suggest the snow is well bonded to these crusts.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.