Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 5th, 2015 7:17AM

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

Avalanche Canada Peter, Avalanche Canada

There may be another light dusting of snow, with small wind slabs forming, but really there is little change to speak of.

Summary

Confidence

Good - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with a slight chance of flurries. The freezing level is around 1800-2000 m and ridge winds are light or moderate from the W. Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level remains near 1800 m and winds ease to light. Sunday: Mainly sunny. The freezing level jumps to a little over 2000 m and wind could rise to moderate SW by the end of the day.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday there were reports of several small (size 1-1.5) skier-triggered wind slab avalanches in exposed alpine terrain and loose snow sluffing in steep terrain. There were also two reports of size 2 natural slab avalanches on steep solar aspects, likely resulting from recent wind loading.

Snowpack Summary

Variable recent storm snow totals across the region are generally in the 5-25 cm range. The snow surface varies with elevation and aspect with respect to sun and wind exposure, and includes dry new snow, loose facetted snow, wind slabs, and sun crusts. The mid-February crust is down around 10-30 cm where it isn't wind loaded or scoured. The late-Jan crust/surface hoar layer (up to 100 cm deep) and the mid-January surface hoar (80-120 cm deep) are generally dormant, and chances of triggering these weaknesses have decreased. However, triggering may be possible with a large input such as cornice fall, or an avalanche stepping down, especially on slopes that see a lot of sun.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Fresh touchy wind slabs may be lurking in a variety of places. Although not expected to be large, they could take you for a ride.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2015 2:00PM

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