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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 22nd, 2024–Mar 25th, 2024

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

Regions

Ghost.

Recent snow from upslope storms is increasing the avalanche danger in the normally dry region. If you plan on climbing in this area, think about overhead terrain and recent snow. The sun has lots of strength right now so beware that stability decrease throughout the day as temperature warm up.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Loose dry avalanches from steep rocky faces. Field observations from the Ghost are limited so please post what you are seeing on the MIN

Snowpack Summary

30-50cm of recent low density snow has fallen under the influence of the up slope and convective storms moving through the Ghost region. This snow has seen isolated affect from the wind but a few storm/wind slabs were noted in treeline wind affected features failing down 50cm. This new snow is overlying the March Temperature crust that is found on all aspects except high pure north alpine areas. So far, the bond with the new snow and the underlying crust is good. Deeper in the snowpack the February 3rd crust still exists but avalanche activity on this layer has decreased since the warm temps last week settling out the snowpack. The Ghost region this year has more snow than normal and avalanches should be at the forefront of climbers minds in this region. Steep thin rocky areas will warm up fast under the influence of solar radiation and can trigger deep avalanches

Weather Summary

Light snow is forecast to continue with accumulations around 5cm. Winds will continue to be light out of the NW and skies will generally be a mix of sun and cloud. Temperatures will be -12C overnight warming up to -8C by midday.

Be aware that when the sun does come out it packs a punch at this time of year and quickly snow stability will deteriorate on the solar aspects. Thin cloud can also lead to a "Greenhouse effect" that can also make the upper snowpack moist and unstable. Lots going on in Spring!

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.
  • Ice climbers should be equipped with avalanche safety gear.

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.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.