Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 7th, 2021 8:06AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Kate Ryan,
Strong convective weather could make for an exciting weather day!
Be prepared for intense storm cells in localized areas and subsequent increases in storm slab reactivity.
Summary
Weather Forecast
An unstable air mass today paves the way for strong convective activity: cloudy with sunny periods, isolated flurries, even the risk of a thunderstorm! High pressure sets in Monday.
Today: 5-10cm snow. Freezing level 1300m. Wind SW 20-35km/h.
Tonight: Cloudy with a trace of snow. Freezing levels lower to valley bottom. Wind SW 15-35km/h.
Snowpack Summary
At treeline,15cm of new snow sits atop a breakable crust and 10cm of moist snow. Localized extreme winds associated with the passing of a cold front on Friday, increased snow loading near ridges. The February facet/ crust persistent weak layer is down 80-120cm.
Avalanche Summary
Warm temperatures with new snow overnight Friday created a moist avalanche cycle with several size 1.5-2.5 avalanches observed from steep north aspects in the alpine in the highway corridor. Friday, a loose wet avalanche cycle occurred from steep solar aspects at all elevations up to size 2.5, as well as two notable size 3.0 slab avalanches.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
More snow and wind forecast for today. 15cm of new snow fell overnight Friday and sits atop a breakable crust at treeline and below, and wind slabs in exposed alpine areas.
- Watch for fresh storm slabs on exposed lee slopes and open areas at all elevations.
- Watch for signs of instability such as whumphing and cracking.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs in alpine start zones have been reactive to skier triggers this week. These slabs are buried under Friday night's snow, but they should not be forgotten. These slabs have a tendency to propagate on solar aspects where they sit on a crust.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 8th, 2021 8:00AM
