Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 4th, 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
Danger may reach HIGH on sun affected slopes. Sun can rapidly increase avalanche danger and may produce natural avalanche activity.
Stick to low-angle and supported terrain features
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Activity continues with operators noting more large natural avalanches to size 3, likely triggered by sun, wind, or continued snowfall.
MIN users continue to report remotely triggered avalanches, most common in convexities and unsupported features. Check out the many recent MINS for conditions.
Observations are limited as operators remain cautious about stepping into avalanche terrain. We expect human triggering remains likely, including remotes.
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
Monday Night
Cloud clears overnight. 20-30 km/h northwesterly winds. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level around 500 m.
Tuesday
Clear skies. 20-30 km/h northwest winds. Treeline temperature -8 °C. 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
Clear skies with increasing cloud. 20-30 km/h southwest winds. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing levels reach 800 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.
- Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.
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
Larger and more reactive slabs sit on north and east facing slopes near ridges.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 5th, 2024 4:00PM
