Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 12th, 2024 2:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
bwillard,
Avalanche Canada
A fine day is forecast for the mountains on Wednesday. Watch out for wind slabs as the sun warms the snow, but also for stumps and rocks that are sometimes barely covered.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
An avalanche was reported on the Mountain Information Network (MIN):
March 11, 2024 in the ''S'' apostrophe (Mines), triggered by a skier, accidental, wind slab, size 1, northern aspect, 45 deg inclination, tree line.
If you head into the backcountry, thanks for sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
The winter storm that began on Sunday evening has so far dumped between 25 and 45 cm of new, relatively heavy snow. There appears to be a little more snow in the southern part of the forecast area. This snow either lies directly on the ground or on a refreezing crust, which is present at all elevations and on all aspects.
The weather of the past two weeks has had the effect of prematurely melting the snowpack in the mountains. In many places, there is almost no snow left.
Weather Summary
Synopsis: The winter storm will give way to a high-pressure system on Wednesday. A weak low-pressure system will cross the southern part of the region later on Thursday until the weekend.
Tuesday evening and night: Snow. 5 to 10 cm. North wind, 40 to 50 km/h. Low -5.
Wednesday: Alternating sun and clouds. Wind northeast, 10 to 20 km/h. Maximum +2. Freezing level at 700 m.
Thursday: Snow. 5 to 10 cm. Wind southeast, 10 to 20 km/h. Maximum -1. Freezing level at 200 m.
Friday: Cloudy. Wind northwest, 10 to 20 km/h. High -1. Freezing level at 600 m.
For more details, check out the most recent alpine weather forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Be cautious of buried obstacles especially below treeline.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Sunday evening's storm was accompanied by strong to extreme winds from the south. The winds then shifted on Tuesday to northerly winds.
Wind slabs can be problematic where there was snow prior to the storm. The wind slabs could become reactive if the sun warms the snow on the surface.
For more information on winter storms in spring, you can watch the video ''Froid et neigeux'' in the spring ski series on our website.
Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 13th, 2024 3:00PM
