Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 20th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Persistent Slabs.
jleblanc,
Avalanche Canada
A widespread surface crust makes for generally safe conditions.
Weak overnight recovery may allow the snow to deteriorate rapidly with daytime warming.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new recent avalanches were reported. A few wet loose avalanches (size 1) were observed earlier this week, primarily below treeline and on steep south-facing terrain
The widespread, natural avalanche cycle reported over the weekend appears to have ended.
If you go into the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A widespread melt-freeze crust exists on the surface at higher elevations. With strong solar warming expected, anticipate the surface crust to weaken at lower elevations and on south-facing slopes throughout the day. Isothermal snowpack still exists at lower elevations.
Various weak layers, including crusts, facets, and/or surface hoar exist approximately 90 and 180 cm below the surface.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear with no precipitation. 10 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level near 1000 m.
Thursday
Mostly sunny with no precipitation. 10 to 20 km/h east ridegtop wind. Treeline temperature 3 °C. Freezing level rising near 1500 m.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level near 800 m.
Saturday
Mostly sunny. 30 to 50 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level near 500 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.
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Problems
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanche likelihood will increase throughout the day with daytime warming and sunny conditions, particularly on steep south-facing terrain.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Persistent slab avalanches remain possible, especially later in the day as the surface snow deteriorates, and weakens from daytime warming and solar effect.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 21st, 2024 4:00PM
