Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Mar 27 – 28, 2022Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Keep an eye on the snow surface, as it gets moist from warming and solar input the size and likelihood of wet loose avalanches will increase.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Overhanging cornices have been observed in the region. The likelihood of natural cornice falls can increase with solar input.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–1.5

    The size and sensitivity to triggering these avalanches could increase throughout the day as temperatures rise and the sun comes out.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Sunday night: No new snow expected. Possibility of temperature inversion with temps around -1 at 1500 m. Light northerly winds.

Monday: Sunny with no new snow expected. Light west winds and freezing levels rising to 1700 m.

Tuesday: Cloudy with no new snow expected. Moderate south winds. Freezing levels rising to 1800 m.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy with light flurries in the morning bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light to moderate southwest winds. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday a few natural size one wet loose avalanches were observed in steep terrain. We suspect this type of avalanche activity will increase on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

A supportive crust extends into the alpine on all aspects. This crust will likely become moist as the freezing level rises and the sun comes out. Wind slabs may be found at high elevations on north and east aspects.

A couple of layers of weak crystals in the upper snowpack appear to be bonding according to recent snowpack tests. Additionally, we suspect that the surface crust will help bridge these layers, further decreasing their likelihood of triggering.

Terrain and Travel

  • As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.

Regions covered