Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
kbakker,
Avalanche Canada
Wind is easing, but recent extreme winds have already done their damage to the snowpack.Assess your route for wind slab and seek out less wind-exposed terrain for better riding.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported, but field observations have been extremely limited.
If you visit the area please consider submitting your observations to the MIN.
Snowpack Summary
North and east-facing terrain is very wind-affected with sastrugi, crust, or hard old wind slabs due to ongoing strong to extreme wind. In lower angle, wind-sheltered southwest through east-facing terrain you may find up to 20cm of soft facetted snow.
Cornices are large and looming and should be given a wide berth if traveling on ridgetops. The midpack is generally well settled with no significant layers of concern.
The base of the snowpack is made up of 20 to 30 cm of weak facets and depth hoar, which currently seem well bridged by overlying layers. Overall snowpack depths in sheltered areas are 200 to 300 cm. Click on the photo below for more details.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mainly clear. Northeast to northwest ridgetop wind, 10 to 20 km/h. Temperature inversion begins, alpine temperature -18°C
Monday
Mainly sunny. Northwest ridgetop wind, 15 to 25 km/h. Temperature inversion with alpine temperature -15 °C.
Tuesday
Mainly cloudy with trace new snow. West ridgetop wind, 15 to 25 km/h. Temperature inversion with alpine temperature -15 °C.
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy with up to 3 cm new snow. Southeast ridgetop wind, 40 to 50 km/h. Temperature inversion with alpine temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent and ongoing strong winds have built wind slabs on lee slopes.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 4th, 2024 4:00PM
