Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada DK, Avalanche Canada

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Solar warming should primarily factor into your trip planning - avoid exposure to southerly slopes and cornices.

Elevated hazard rating at tree line reflects increasing freezing level and solar influence during peak warming- take advantage of the good overnight freeze by starting and finishing early.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Cornice failures and loose wet avalanches may increase in the late afternoons (~14:00) with clear skies, direct sun, and rising daytime freezing levels.

Don't forget to post avalanche observations to the MIN.

Snowpack Summary

2-10cm of new snow through the region over a thin sun crust at all elevations on solar aspects. 20-50cm down is a persistent slab, within a variable strength mid-pack which bridges the basal facets and depth hoar at the base. The strength of the mid-pack is varied by aspect and elevation. Snow depth varies from 60-170cm.

Weather Summary

Forecasts call for high freezing levels (up to 2000m) and increasing clouds beginning in the late morning, Wednesday. This should be the warmest day of the week. A mix of sun and cloud on Thursday with a continued diurnal temperature pattern.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Wet loose avalanches will likely initiate from steep rocky terrain on southerly aspects, and may be large enough to trigger deeper problems.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The bottom of the snowpack is inherently weak with well-developed Facets and Depth Hoar. Large triggers like cornices, and wet avalanches can step down to this deep persistent slab, present on all aspects, TL and above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3.5

Valid until: Mar 29th, 2023 4:00PM