Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Warm temperatures and sunshine continue to create wet and slushy surface snow.

Minimize your exposure to sun exposed slopes - recent storm snow may slide easily on the crust below.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity increased on Friday with warmer temperatures than expected producing wet avalanche activity (photo below).

Wet avalanche activity is expected to continue as temperatures warm even further on Sunday and strong sunshine is expected.

Snowpack Summary

Around 30 cm of recent snowfall sits above a widespread crust. This snow is moist to wet from recent sunshine and warm temperatures and is settling rapidly. Wind effect can be found at higher elevations.

Reports indicated that the new snow is bonding well with the old snow surface. However Sundays warm temperatures and strong sunshine may weaken this bond and initiate avalanche activity.

At low elevations the snowpack is likely decreasing with each day of warm weather.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Clear skies. 30-50 km/h northerly ridgetop wind. Freezing level steady around 1600 m.

Sunday

Sunny. 30-50 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level begins the day at 1600 m and rises to 3000 m by afternoon, bringing treeline temperatures to +12 °C.

Monday

Sunny with 50 km/h northwest winds. Freezing levels remain around 3000 m with treeline temperatures near +12 °C.

Tuesday

Sunny with 50 km/h southwest winds. Freezing levels remain around 3000 m with treeline temperatures near +12 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Potential for wet avalanche activity (slab and loose) increases as temperatures rise, but concern is greatest on steep, sun affected slopes. Avalanches may initiate easily on the smooth crust below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2024 4:00PM