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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 4th, 2024–Mar 5th, 2024
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

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.

Avalanche 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.

Use low-angle, simple terrain to help manage this problem.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

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: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5