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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 20th, 2022–Mar 21st, 2022

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

Regions

South Rockies.

Crusts on solar aspect are becoming more the norm. Dry snow, and better riding quality, will be found on the more shaded aspects, but watch for wind slabs in alpine areas.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Partially cloudy, isolated flurries. Moderate to strong westerly winds. Freezing level dropping to 700 m.

MONDAY: Cloudy, isolated flurries. Light to moderate westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 2000 m in the afternoon.

TUESDAY: Partially cloudy with light flurries. Moderate to strong westerly winds. Freezing level rising to 3300 m in the afternoon.

WEDNESDAY: Mainly cloudy, isolated flurries. Moderate to strong southwest winds. Freezing level rising to 3000 m in the afternoon. 

Avalanche Summary

A few large wind slab avalanches occurred in alpine terrain on Tuesday (size 2 to 3), otherwise, avalanche activity in the past week has been limited to small wind slabs and wet loose avalanches (size 1).

Snowpack Summary

Strong southwest wind has impacted surface snow conditions at upper elevations and built windslab in lee areas. The surface is moist and crusty below 1800 m and on solar aspects into the alpine. The upper snowpack contains several crust layers, and the snow is well bonded to these crusts.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

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.