Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 8th, 2023 2:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Mikey, Avalanche Canada

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Good skiing can still be found in sheltered areas. Generally a weak snowpack, approach all overhead hazard and avalanche terrain with caution. Check out this fresh size 3 avalanche at: https://www.instagram.com/kananaskissafety/

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

One new natural cornice triggered avalanche that was about 12 hours old in the Burstall Pass area. Check out the video and description at: https://www.instagram.com/kananaskissafety/

Snowpack Summary

The forecasting crew went back to Burstall Pass and were surprised by the large avalanche. The wind slabs in the top 25cm are slowly gaining strength but still reactive to large loads. Generally a weak snowpack that will remain for the rest of the year. At most elevations, the bottom half of the snowpack is made up of facets. The alpine has great variability in snow depth. Cornices have started to be on our radar, choose routes carefully. Have a look at the avalanche summary.

Weather Summary

Thursday will start off with a mix of sun and cloud and -20c. The clouds will roll in during the day and flurries will begin in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to climb up to -8c, along with moderate SW winds.

Friday

The weather models for Friday are not all in agreement but they all talk about snow. Some models are talking about 5cm and others are up to 20cm. Stay tuned.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

The alpine is still variable in total amounts of snow but the basal layers haven't changed. The entire lower half is either facets, or depth hoar. Thin weak areas should be treated as suspect and avoided.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Mar 9th, 2023 4:00PM