Low danger does not mean low danger.
Watch for changing surface conditions on steep, south facing slopes, and minimize your exposure to cornices.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Small wet avalanches have been observed on low elevation south facing slopes in the heat of the day. We expect this activity to continue during periods of strong sunshine. Cornice falls were observed to have triggered large avalanches last weekend (photo below), and they are expected to remain weak with daily sun and warm temperatures.
If you head into the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A widespread surface crust exists up to roughly 1300 m. At higher elevations, snow has been redistributed by winds from various directions. Deeper deposits and large cornices can be found in exposed terrain. Dry snow can still be found on north-facing alpine slopes. Steep south facing slopes are becoming moist with rising freezing levels and sunshine during the day.
In some areas, a weak layer of facets or surface hoar may persist, down approximately 50 to 80 cm from the surface. This layer is unlikely to trigger from a riders weight, but concern exists with large loads like cornice falls.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Clear skies, 10-20 km/h west ridgetop wind.
Saturday
Sunny with cloudy periods. 10-20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 900 m.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud. 30-40 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 900 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy. Isolated flurries possible. 30-40 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level rising to 900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
- Rocks will heat up with daytime warming and may become trigger points for loose wet avalanches
- Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
Problems
Loose Wet
Wet avalanches become more likely during intense sunshine and in the heat of the day. Greatest concern is for south facing (sun exposed slopes), especially near rock outcrops where warming is most intense.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornice falls become weak in daytime heating and strong sunshine. Give them a wide berth on and under ridgelines as they are hazardous on their own, and can trigger large avalanches on the slope below.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2024 4:00PM
