Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for rapidly changing conditions on sun affected slopes - recent storm snow may slide easily on the crust below.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Explosive control work on Thursday produced size 1-2 wind slabs in north facing treeline terrain. Crowns were thin, however wide propagation was reported.

Moving forward we expect small loose wet avalanches to be possible on sun affected slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Scattered flurries over the past few days deposited 15-25 cm of snow above a widespread crust. South/southwest winds have redistributed this snow into deeper deposits around ridges at treeline and above. Surface snow may become moist on steep sun affected slopes.

The snowpack below the crust is strong and bonded.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Clear skies with no snow expected. 10-20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Freezing levels drop to 700 m.

Saturday

Mostly clear skies. 10-20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Sunday

Clear skies. 30-50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level rises to 3000 m, bringing treeline temperatures to +9 °C.

Monday

Freezing levels remain around 3000 m overnight and throughout Monday. Clear skies. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +9 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are most likely on steep, sun affected slopes. Avalanches may initiate easily on the smooth crust below.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 30th, 2024 4:00PM