Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 20th, 2020 5:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
MBender,
Avalanche Canada
Light precipitation combined with wind blowing from a variety of directions will likely promote wind slab formation through the weekend. If you are heading out, please share your observations on the Mountain Information Network MIN.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations. Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain.
Weather Forecast
Friday Night: Cloudy with isolated flurries and a trace of new snow. Moderate northwest winds. Alpine high temperature around -8.
Saturday: Mainly cloud with scattered flurries, accumulation 5 cm starting in the evening. Light to moderate west winds increasing over the day. Alpine high temperature around -5.
Sunday: Mainly cloudy with sunny breaks and isolated flurries. Light to moderate west winds increasing over the day. Alpine high temperature around -6.
Monday: Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate to strong north wind. Alpine high temperature around -8.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported over the past couple of days,Â
Looking forward, avalanche problems will likely remain limited to small wind slabs in the lee of exposed features.
Snowpack Summary
A mix of windblown new snow and wind-scoured surfaces is likely to be found throughout the region. About 5 cm of new snow midweek has been redistributed by moderate southwest winds. As a result, small but reactive new wind slabs have developed and are likely confined to immediate lee areas.
Recent warming tested the strength of the snowpack. In the end it left its mark by creating moist and/or wet snow on the surface on most aspects except North. This has since more than likely turned to crust that has recently been covered over by new snow.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent light snowfall and shifting winds will promote new wind slab formation on a variety of aspects. These are likely thin but may be most reactive where they sit on a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2020 4:00PM
