Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 12th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

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Triggering storm slab avalanches is likely at upper elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few small (size 1) human-triggered slab and loose avalanches were reported on Monday.

Over the weekend there were several human-triggered storm slab avalanches, including a close call on Mt Seymour. Two snowshoers were caught in a size 2 avalanche on a south aspect at treeline. One was partially buried and the other was fully buried. Details of the avalanche can be found here and the rescue here.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 60 cm of new snow from Tuesday is settling, leaving reactive storm and wind slabs at upper elevations. This snow sits above a thin crust at lower elevations. A total of 150 cm of snow from the past week has likely settled and become well-bonded.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with brief sunny breaks. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C with freezing level rising to 1200 m.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 35 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C with freezing level climbing to 3000 m.

Friday

Mostly sunny. 10 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +10 °C with freezing level climbing to 3500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Investigate the bond of the recent snow before committing to your line.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

30 to 60 cm of fresh snow from Tuesday has left slabs that will likely be reactive in steep terrain, especially on wind-loaded slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 13th, 2024 4:00PM