Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 20th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada lbaker, Avalanche Canada

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Use caution around freshly wind loaded pockets of dry snow at higher elevations.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Wet loose avalanches have been reported in areas that received strong sunshine and warm temperatures over the weekend. Check this MIN out for a great overview of recent conditions.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of dry wind affected snow may be found in the alpine. Strong southeast winds may build deeper deposits of dry snow in lee fatures. A melt-freeze crust covers solar aspects at all elevations. Moist surfaces cover all aspects below treeline.

The middle and lower snowpack are consolidated and strong, containing numerous thick and hard melt-freeze crusts.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Light southeast winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature low 0°C. Freezing levels 1300 m.

Tuesday

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Light southeast winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature +2°C. Freezing levels 1600 m.

Wednesday

Mainly sunny. Light south winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature +3°C. Freezing levels 1800 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate south winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing levels drop to 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Although their spatial distribution is isolated, wind slabs are reactive.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

5-10 cm of snow at higher elevations accompanied by strong southeast winds have built fresh wind slabs on exposed alpine lee features.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 21st, 2023 4:00PM