Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada dsaly, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for small but reactive pockets of dry snow, especially in wind-affected areas.Keep an eye on warming temperatures and back of slopes when they become moist.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday, a skier triggered a small, thin wind slab at an entrance to a northwest-facing slope.

On Friday afternoon, loose, dry avalanches and pinwheeling were observed in steep rocky terrain in the sun. As the sun pokes out and temperatures warm, loose wet avalanches may become possible.

Snowpack Summary

The wind has shifted directions and impacted dry snow at upper elevations, which may also cover a thin layer of surface hoar on north-facing and sheltered aspects. A thick melt-freeze crust caps the snowpack, except for high north-facing alpine slopes where dry snow prevails. At lower elevations and on steep sunny slopes, the surface crust may soften with warming during the day, or the snowpack may become isothermal.

A layer of weak, faceted crystals overlying a crust is buried 30-60 cm in the east of the region and 50-100 cm in the west. Triggering this layer has become unlikely, except in the case of shallow snowpack spots or very large loads like cornice falls.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy. Northwest ridgetop wind 20-40 km/h. Treeline temperature low -6 °C. Freezing level near valley bottom.

Sunday

Cloudy, clearing later in the day. West ridgetop wind gusting to 50 km/h. Treeline temperature high +3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Monday

Flurries, up to 10 cm. Southwest ridgetop wind gusting to 70 km/h. Treeline temperature +4 °C. Freezing level rising above 1400 m.

Tuesday

Snow and wet flurries, 10-20 cm. Southwest ridgetop wind gusting to 60 km/h. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Wet-loose avalanche may become possible during the heat of the day. Back off slopes if snow turns moist.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2024 4:00PM

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