Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 5th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Continue to manage buried weak layers by choosing low-angle terrain, and avoiding overhead hazard.
Minimize your exposure to south facing slopes during strong afternoon sunshine.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Activity continues with operators noting more evidence of a large natural cycle to size 3, likely triggered by sun. On Monday natural avalanches were observed on north and west facing slopes at treeline, to size 2 with crowns up to 1 m deep.
MIN users continue to report remotely triggered avalanches, most common in convexities. Check out the many recent MINS from this week.
Snowpack Summary
Recent storm snow is beginning to settle. However, reports show this storm snow is still not bonding well to the crust/facet/surface hoar layer buried 70-150 cm deep. This layer continues to show sensitivity to human triggers, and is most concerning at treeline elevations where these crystals are most easily preserved. It will take time to begin to settle and bond.
Strong sunshine is expected to create moist or wet snow on south facing slopes and increase the reactivity of weak layers.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Clear skies. 20-30 km/h northwest winds. Freezing level around 500 m.
Wednesday
Mostly clear skies in the morning, with afternoon cloud. 20-30 km/h northwest winds. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level around 500 m.
Thursday
Partly sunny with increasing cloud. 30-50 km/h west winds. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level around 500 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 50-70 km/h southwest winds. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level around 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid being on or under sun exposed slopes.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Buried weak layers are most concerning at treeline elevations. Small avalanches may step down to this layer resulting in very large, destructive avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Recent storm snow may still react as a slab in wind affected features at higher elevations. Watch for deeper and more reactive slabs near ridgelines.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 6th, 2024 4:00PM
