Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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In the wake of the storm, expect fresh slabs to be sensitive to human triggering. Ease into terrain on Wednesday. Start small and tune into any signs of instability as indications to back off into lower angle or less wind-loaded terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength. Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night: Snowfall 5-10 cm. Strong southeast wind. Alpine low around -8 °C.

Wednesday: Snowfall 5-10 cm. Moderate south wind. Alpine high around -8 °C.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy with possible flurries. Light to moderate southeast wind. Alpine high around -6 °C.

Friday: Mostly cloudy with possible flurries. Light southeast wind. Alpine high around -5 °C.

Avalanche Summary

We are still awaiting observations from Tuesday's storm. We are anticipating a natural storm slab cycle to have occurred up to size 2.

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Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm of new snow arrived with gusting wind in the White Pass area. The new snow sits over settling snow from the previous storm, wind slabs in exposed areas and a sun crust on steep solar aspects.

A couple of sun crusts exist in the upper snowpack but none have been identified as layers of particular concern. The lower snowpack is thought to be well protected by the dense, wind-pressed layers above, and it is unlikely that avalanches will be triggered on weak, sugary crystals near the ground at this time.

Terrain and Travel

  • Give the new snow time to settle and stabilize before pushing into bigger terrain.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
  • Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
  • Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

20-40 cm of new snow fell with gusty wind in the White Pass area. Fresh storm slabs likely remain triggerable by riders.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2022 4:00PM