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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 10th, 2023–Mar 11th, 2023

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

Regions

Glacier.

Although the hazard is low, keep in mind that avalanches are still possible in isolated areas and terrain management is the key to staying out of trouble.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday isolated natural avalanches were observed along the highway corridor up to size 2.0 from the steep N facing terrain of Mt. Macdonald. Avalanche control in the area on Thursday also produced small windslabs and surface sluffing.

Snowpack Summary

Diurnal temperature fluctuations have produced crusts on solar aspects, which may break down during the warmest part of the day. Isolated wind slabs can be found in the alpine.

Although generally strong, the snowpack still sits on a deep persistent weakness of rounding facets and a decomposed crust near the ground, which is unusual for this area. This layer has not been reactive since the last major snowfall (February 27th). While currently very unlikely, there may be a lingering possibility of triggering this high consequence problem in shallow unsupported snowpack areas. This will be something that professional and savvy recreational backcountry users factor in to their terrain use decisions for the remainder of the season.

Weather Summary

Saturday & Sunday: mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. SW winds up to 35km/hr and freezing levels up to 1300m.

Sunday: Up to 26cm of snow, high of -4C and winds from the SW 30-50km/hr. Freezing levels up to 1600m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.