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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 5th, 2015–Mar 6th, 2015
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Columbia.

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

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.

Avalanche Problems

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