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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 25th, 2022–Mar 26th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

South Rockies.

Wet loose avalanches are the biggest concern right now. They are most likely on steep slopes that are baking in the sun. They are less likely if you are finding a thick, supportive surface crust. Pay attention to changing conditions through the day. 

Confidence

High - We have a good understanding of the snowpack structure and confidence in the weather forecast

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. No new snow/rain expected. Light west ridgetop wind trending to moderate in the high alpine. Freezing level around valley bottom. 

SATURDAY: Scattered clouds. No new snow/rain expected. Light south ridgetop wind, trending to moderate west in the high alpine. Freezing level rising to around 2200 m.

SUNDAY: Mostly Sunny. No new snow/rain expected. Light southwest ridgetop wind, with periods of strong in the high alpine. Possible pockets of cold air in valley bottoms overnight. Freezing level rising to around 2700 m through the day.

MONDAY: Partly cloudy. Possible light rain/snow. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind, with periods of strong in the high alpine. Freezing level around 2500 m.   

Avalanche Summary

No new and notable avalanches were reported on Friday before 4 pm. 

On Thursday, natural, loose wet avalanche activity continued on steep aspects in the sun. A few were as large as size 2.

Remember that a lack of reported avalanches does not necessarily mean that there is a lack of avalanche activity. If you are out in the backcountry, and have photos, conditions updates, or even just good vibes to share, consider making a post on the Mountain Information Network. 

Snowpack Summary

Possible cold, dry snow and thin windslabs on shady slopes in the alpine. Refrozen crust on all aspects into the low alpine, softening in the afternoon at low elevations, and on steep, sunny slopes. Recent warm temperatures, sun, and rain have made the top 10-40 cm of the snowpack moist. 

Below 1700 m, the snowpack has been reported as being moist top to bottom, and becoming isothermal.

Terrain and Travel

  • Start on smaller terrain features and gather information before committing to bigger terrain.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.