Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 5th, 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
Continue to manage buried weak layers by choosing low-angle terrain, and avoiding overhead hazard.
Minimize your exposure to south facing slopes during strong afternoon sunshine.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Further reports add to significant natural and remotely triggered avalanches this week. Most recently natural activity has been reported from north and west facing slopes at treeline and above to size 2.5. This MIN, reports a remotely triggered persistent slab avalanche in the Wendy Thompson area.
A notable size 3 slab avalanche was observed on Sunday, failing near the ground at 2 m deep on a north facing slope. This is likely a reloaded bed surface.
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 50-90 cm deep. This layer continues to show sensitivity to human triggers, and 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
Tuesday Night
Mostly clear skies. 10 km/hr westerly winds. Freezing levels at valley bottom.
Wednesday
Mostly clear skies. 10-20 km/hr northwest winds. Treeline temperature -9 °C. Freezing levels around 500 m.
Thursday
Mostly clear skies with increasing afternoon cloud. 10-20 km/hr northwest winds. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing levels head towards 1000 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 30-50 km/hr southwest winds. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing levels head towards 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
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: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Recent storm snow may still react as a slab in wind affected features at higher elevations. Watch for deeper and more reactive slabs near ridgelines.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 6th, 2024 4:00PM
