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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 18th, 2021–Mar 19th, 2021

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

Regions

South Coast Inland.

New wind slabs may form at higher elevations over Friday.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

An offshore low pressure system is bringing cooler temperatures and flurries with highly variable amounts of new snow.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Scattered flurries with 5-10 cm of new snow, 40-50 km/h south wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C with freezing level dropping to 800 m.

FRIDAY: Scattered flurries continue with another 5-10 cm of snow possible, resulting in 24 h accumulations between 5-15 cm, 40-60 km/h south wind, treeline temperatures around -4 C with freezing level around 1300 m.

SATURDAY: Flurries end by the morning then a mix of sun and cloud, 30 to 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with some isolated flurries, 30-50 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperatures around -5 C.

Avalanche Summary

A few small wet loose avalanches were triggered naturally during the heat of the day over the past few days. Otherwise, no new avalanches were observed. Avalanche activity is expected to increase in the coming days as a series of storms impact the region.

Snowpack Summary

Variable snowfall amounts and strong south wind on Friday may form new wind slabs in lee terrain features. The new snow will overlie a melt-freeze crust up to around 1700 m and higher on sun-exposed slopes or wind-affected dry snow on northerly aspects at high elevations. Remember that cornices along ridgelines are large at this time of year and always have the possibility of failing naturally or from the weight of a human.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.

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.