Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 23rd, 2019–Mar 24th, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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: North Columbia.

The best riding will likely be on northerly aspects up high, but travel with caution, as a buried weak layer may still exist. You may also find wet snow, which could be sensitive on Sunday with enough warming.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy, light east wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1900 m.SUNDAY: Mix of sun and clouds, light southeast wind, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 2000 m.MONDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, light south wind, alpine temperature -2 C, freezing level 1700 m.TUESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, light south wind, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

The wet loose avalanche cycle from last Sunday to Friday has likely diminished, as cooler, seasonal temperatures returned to the mountains on Saturday. Evidence of the cycle is widespread at all elevations, with avalanches up to size 3 mostly on southeast to southwest aspects. A few large slab avalanches were also triggered on all aspects, with many of them running to valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

A melt-freeze crust is found on the snow surface everywhere except for northerly aspects above 2000 m, where dry snow still prevails. The crust may weaken into moist or wet snow at low elevations or on southerly aspects, depending on daytime warming and cloud cover.The remainder of the snowpack is generally consolidated and strong. The exception may be on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where a weak layer of faceted grains buried 40 to 60 cm may still exist in combination with old and hard wind-affected snow.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

A 40 to 60 cm thick slab of snow may be poorly bonded to weak, sugary faceted snow. This layer is likely most problematic on northerly aspects above 2000 m, where it may be associated with hard, wind-affected snow.

Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that buried instabilities are still present.Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Loose Wet

The snow may weaken at lower elevations or on sun-exposed slopes, depending on if it rains or if the clouds clear. If the snow feels slushy, there is potential for triggering a loose wet avalanche.

Avoid exposure to areas with overhead hazard during periods of rain or strong sun.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid exposure to terrain traps, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5