Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2023 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 rgoddard, Avalanche Canada

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6:30 am update: Avalanche danger will increase throughout the day on Friday as new snow and wind form unstable slabs at upper elevations. If you see more than 20 cm of new snow by the end of the day, treat avalanche danger as HIGH in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches over this past week.

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

New snow today will be landing on wind slabs at higher elevations and a crust at lower elevations.

Below this top layer of snow lies a melt-freeze crust, existing on all aspects at treeline and below. The crust extends to mountain tops on sunny aspects. In north-facing high alpine terrain, the surface snow may have remained cold and dry.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy, 2 cm accumulation, winds southwest 15 km/h ramping up to 30 by morning, freezing levels dropping to 700 m.

Friday

Cloudy, up to 30 cm accumulation starting in the early morning, winds southwest 30 to 35 km/h gusting to 50, freezing levels to 800 m.

Saturday

Cloudy, 20 cm accumulation by the morning and another 15 throughout the day, winds southwest 20 to 30 km/h, freezing levels around 800 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy, 5 cm accumulation by morning and another 5 throughout the day, winds southeast 25 km/h, freezing levels 800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Friday will see another storm roll into our region. Expect significant precipitation and moderate winds. New snow may not bond well to old surfaces.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2023 4:00PM

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