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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 18th, 2020–Mar 19th, 2020

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Columbia.

Clouds and cooler temperatures may temper day-time warming and decrease avalanche hazard. Low hazard doesn't mean no hazard. Watch for lingering wind-loaded pockets and minimize exposure to steep, sun-exposed slopes if clouds dissipate. 

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to limitations in the field data.

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night: Mostly clear, light northeast wind, alpine temperature -13 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

Thursday: Increasing cloud, light east wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1400 m.

Friday: Mix of sun and cloud, light west wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday: Increasing cloud, light southwest wind, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

Over the past several days, avalanche activity was reported as natural loose dry or loose wet avalanches size 1-2 running in steep, sun-exposed terrain in the alpine. One large (size 2) slab avalanche released naturally as a result of strong solar radiation on a south aspect at 2500 m.

Reports from this weekend show several natural wind slab avalanches ranging in size from 1.5 to 3 running in the alpine on northeast, south and southeast aspects at treeline and in the alpine. There were also several cornice failures on northerly aspects to size 2.5.

The number of data sources for the region is diminishing. If you're out in the mountains, please share your observations via the Mountain Information Network. Heightened diligence and conservative risk management is recommended at this time. 

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong winds have created widespread wind effect and formed wind slabs that may remain possible to trigger in isolated areas. With recent sun and relatively warm temperatures, expect to find either moist surface snow or crust on slopes facing the sun. 30-50 cm of new snow from last week may sit on a surface hoar layer and a sun crust on steep solar aspects. 

A widespread weak layer of surface hoar buried at the end of February is 60-100 cm deep. Sheltered north, northeast, and east facing slopes near treeline are the most likely locations to find this layer. The last reported avalanche activity on this layer occurred March 8th. There is a low likelihood of triggering an avalanche on this layer, but the consequences of doing so would be high. Read more about surface hoar on our forecaster blog.

Terrain and Travel

  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.