Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 17th, 2020 2:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Mikey, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for shallow, rocky areas, where triggering is more likely.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday morning will start out cold at -18c and expected to warm up to -4c. Skies will be a mix of sun and cloud, along with light westerly winds. The forecast snow by Wednesday afternoon is a whopping 2cm.

Avalanche Summary

One size 3 natural on a NE aspects near Galatea creek that started around 2700m. This occurred sometime Tuesday morning.

Snowpack Summary

We still have a winter snow pack with widespread wind slabs dominating the alpine and open areas at treeline. Soft slabs can be found when you transition into tree line. The midpack remains strong while the basal facets are weak. Isolated sun crust can be found on solar aspects. If the sun comes out, solar aspect slopes can become a concern.

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid shallow snowpack areas, rock outcroppings and steep convex terrain where triggering is most likely.
  • Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are still a concern in the Alpine and Treeline elevation bands. Multiple layers of wind slab may be found in wind prone areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is still out there, and is most concerning in shallow, rocky areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Mar 18th, 2020 4:00PM