Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 15th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Avoid being in or under avalanche terrain.
Sun and high temperatures are making large natural avalanches likely.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Friday morning, widespread avalanche activity had already started in very steep, rocky terrain.
As freezing levels remain elevated, we expect avalanche activity to increase in both size and frequency.
On Sunday, a sledder accidentally triggered a size 2.5 wind slab avalanche on a west aspect at 1580 m on Mt Beadnell, commonly referred to as the Adrian riding area. This resulted in a critical burial, serious injuries, and helicopter evacuation.
Snowpack Summary
As sunny days and high freezing levels continue, more of the upper snowpack will get moist or wet. This will make the upper snowpack more unstable, including any persistent weak layers under the most recent snow, including a layer of large feathery surface hoar observed in the Mt. Cain area.
80 to 120 cm below the snow surface, a layer of softer, faceted snow overlies a crust on all but high north aspects.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Clear. Light east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 11 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. Moderate southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline low around 10 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. Moderate to strong south ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 10 °C.
Monday
Sunny. Light variable ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain free of overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
- Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
80-150 cm of settling snow sits over a weak layer of faceted snow and spotty surface hoar on a firm crust. Rising freezing levels and solar input will increase the likelihood of triggering this layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Warming and periods of sun will produce widespread wet loose avalanches, especially on steep sun-exposed slopes. These may step-down and trigger deeper slab avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 16th, 2024 4:00PM
