Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 11th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
shorton,
Avalanche Canada
New snow and wind are causing dangerous avalanche conditions. Stick to smaller, low-angle slopes.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Minimal avalanche activity has been reported in this region. On Sunday, a small (size 1) storm slab avalanche was triggered by riders at Coquihalla Summit.
Snowpack Summary
Storm slabs will grow with another pulse of snow and wind expected on Tuesday. Prior to this snow, a thin crust layer was reported 20 cm deep on south-facing and below treeline elevations.
A few concerning weak layers exist 80 to 120 cm deep including facets on a crust and, in some areas, surface hoar. While we have not had recent reports of persistent slab avalanches in this region, these layers should not be trusted based on notable activity in neighbouring regions.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Flurries with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Tuesday
Flurries with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Light flurries with 2 to 5 cm of snow overnight then mostly cloudy during the day. 20 km/hr west wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C with freezing level rising to 1200 m.
Thursday
Sunny. 15 km/hr northwest wind. Treeline temperature +5 °C with freezing level rising to 3000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
- Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Carefully monitor the bond between the new snow and old surface.
- In times of uncertainty conservative terrain choices are our best defense.
Problems
Storm Slabs
New snow and wind will form reactive slabs on Tuesday. Slabs will be widespread in areas that receive more than 20 cm of new snow, while other areas will primarily see slabs form on wind-loaded slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Buried weak layers are most concerning at treeline elevations. Small slab avalanches may step down to this layer resulting in large, destructive avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 12th, 2024 4:00PM
