Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 23rd, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada BW, Avalanche Canada

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A stronger and deeper snowpack exists in the Yoho zone. Pay attention to shallower areas where the potential to trigger mid-pack weak layers is more likely.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wet loose avalanches up to size 2 have been reported out of steep solar aspects on Wed and Thur. On Tuesday, there was a deep persistent slab reported on Observation peak and Sunshine patrol reported observing two size 2.5 deep slabs in the surrounding backcountry.

Snowpack Summary

Surface sun crusts exist on solar aspects to near ridgetops and up to 2000 m on shady aspects. The mid and lower snowpack is stronger and more settled in this region due to the deeper snowpack, but continue to pay attention to shallower areas that will display a weaker snowpack.

Weather Summary

Friday - A trough of low pressure over the Alberta Rockies will produce cloudy skies and scattered flurries that will increase through the afternoon. Accumulations in the 1-5 cm range. Ridge-top winds will be light and the freezing levels only expected to rise to 1300 m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
  • Avoid thin areas like rock outcroppings where you're most likely to trigger avalanches failing on deep weak layers.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

In the deeper snowpack areas of this region the Deep Persistent Problem is becoming less of a concern, but continue to pay attention to this layer in areas where the snowpack is shallower (such as moraines or wind scoured areas).

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Mar 24th, 2023 4:00PM