Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 1st, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Weak layers exist in the snowpack, and conditions are primed for human triggering. Use extra caution around sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, a natural wind slab (12 hours old) was observed in a zone called the Onion. This released on a north aspect at 1650 m.
On Thursday, the NW Field Team triggered a (size 1.5) wind slab on an east-facing slope at 1740 m. The crown was 40 cm thick, 50 m wide and ran 100 m. It ran on the faceted layer below.
Wind-loaded slopes at upper elevations are most suspect and may be primed for human-triggered slab avalanches through the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
Warm temperatures, new snow, and strong wind are stiffening the upper (40 to 60 cm) of the snowpack, forming a more cohesive slab. Deeper deposits of wind-loaded snow can be found at treeline and above on northerly facing slopes. South-facing slopes have been scoured by the wind. Loose, low-density snow exists in terrain sheltered from the wind.
This slab sits above a variety of old snow surfaces, including soft, faceted snow in sheltered terrain and wind-affected snow in exposed terrain. This layer is showing reactivity in snowpack testing.
A facet/crust layer from early December is buried approximately 70 to 110 cm deep. This layer is generally not a concern in this region at this time.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Cloudy with light flurries 1-3 cm. 15 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
Sunday
Mainly cloudy in the morning, clearing in the afternoon. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures 0. Freezing level 1400 m.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 15 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures -1. Freezing level 1200 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures 0. Freezing level 1400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
- Avoid steep, sun-exposed slopes when the air temperature is warm or when solar radiation is strong.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Reactive weak layers from January and February exist in the upper 80 cm of the snowpack. New snow, wind, sun, and warming could all add stress to these layers, and human triggering remains a concern.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Fresh and reactive wind slabs are likely. Wind slabs will be the most sensitive where they overlie facets.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2025 4:00PM
