Avalanche Forecast

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.

5-10cm of snow is forecast over the next few 24hrs with increasing winds out of the SW. Temperatures will again be dropping back into the cooler range with daytime highs on Sunday around -8C. Expect the sun to pack a punch tomorrow as clear skies are forecast and we can expect stability to deteriorate on solar aspects later in the day.

One new cornice collapse on a N aspect near Burstall Pass parking area was observed. The cornice triggerred a sz 2 avalanche on the underlying slope that ran to valley floor. 

Moist snow was found on solar aspects above 2000m. On steep solar aspects, there are two crusts of concern. A crust was formed in early March and is found about 30-40cm down and was producing a hard clean sheer in only one pit dug. The Feb 19 crust is down about 60-80cm. There is still uncertainty with the reactivity of these crusts. Take the time to dig and evaluate these layers on steep solar aspects. Otherwise windslabs in alpine terrain should be expected from the recent SW flow and 10-15cm that fell throughout teh day on Friday. These slabs are widespread above 2600m and more isolated below this elevation to ridgelines and gullied terrain. The sun packs a punch these days and when it comes out, stability quickly deteriorates on solar aspects. These effects are most apparent on steep thin solar aspects. Numerous cornices collapses have recent been observed also as temperatures warm up. 

• Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
• Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.