Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 4th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Danger may reach HIGH on sun affected slopes. Sun can rapidly increase avalanche danger and may produce natural avalanche activity.
Stick to low-angle and supported terrain features
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A MIN report from Saturday in the Coquihalla shows reactive conditions remain, with avalanches noted on unsupported features, likely remotely triggered.
Professionals remain concerned about the weak layers and are very cautious about stepping into avalanche terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Recent storm snow is beginning to settle. However, reports show this storm snow is still not bonding well to the weak layers within the snowpack. This includes a crust/facet/surface hoar layer buried 60-100 cm deep, and a widespread crust with weak facets above buried up to 130 cm deep.
Strong sunshine is expected to create moist or wet snow on south facing slopes and increase the reactivity of weak layers.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly cloudy with no snowfall expected. 20-30 km/h southwest winds. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Tuesday
Clear skies and sunny. 20-30 km/h west winds. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing levels around 800 m.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny with some cloud. 10-20 km/h northwest winds. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level around 700 m.
Thursday
Mostly sunny.. 10-20 km/h northwest winds. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level around 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid being on or under sun exposed slopes.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Buried weak layers are most concerning at treeline elevations. Small avalanches may step down to this layer resulting in very large, destructive avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Larger and more reactive slabs sit on north and east facing slopes near ridges.
Aspects: North, North East, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 5th, 2024 4:00PM
