Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 4th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Choose shaded and supported features as clear skies and sun are expected.

Back off sun exposed slopes as they become moist, natural activity is possible.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday avalanches up to size 1 were produced by riders and explosive control work.

Reports indicate the storm snow is beginning to settle and bond, however reactivity is expected to remain in specific features, especially as the sun affects the snowpack on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Localised areas have received up to 50 cm of snow in the last 3 days. Recent storm snow appears to generally be settling well and beginning to bond to the widespread crust below. Wind effect can be found at higher elevations, creating deeper deposits around ridgelines.

The mid and lower snowpack are generally well consolidated. The recent snow has improved travel conditions at lower elevations, but many obstacles, such as sticks and rocks, lurk just below the surface.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Clearing skies with no snowfall expected. Westerly winds, 20-30 km/hr. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Tuesday

Clear skies. 30-40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 500 m. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20-30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 500 m. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Thursday

Mostly sunny. 20-30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 700 m. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
  • Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Wet avalanches are likely on sun affected slopes. These may appear as loose snow avalanches or slabs.

Avalanches are most likely on steep south facing slopes, especially where rocks or trees are present to amplify warming.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Expect to find deeper and more reactive deposits around ridgelines, these may remain triggerable by riders for several days.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 5th, 2024 4:00PM