Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 17th, 2025–Mar 18th, 2025
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Large avalanches are still reactive to human triggers.

Use safe travel habits and regroup in safe spots.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few small and large (size 1 and 2) storm slabs were reported on Sunday. On Saturday 2 very large (size 3) rider-triggered avalanches were reported on northeast and east aspects near Valemount. On Friday near the southern boundary of the forecast region, numerous large to very large (size 3-4) persistent slab avalanches were triggered during explosive control work.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Cloudy with 0 to 2 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -11 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

Cloudy with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recently riders have triggered very large avalanches. The snow is slow to bond to underlying layers of surface hoar and/or a hard crust. Slabs are reactive in immediate lee terrain features from new snow and strong wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Persistent Slabs

It remains possible that humans could trigger surface hoar and/or faceted grains that were buried mid-February, especially at high elevations where a thick crust doesn't exist above it.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5