Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada lcrawley, Avalanche Canada

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Expect varying conditions with elevation and aspect. Assess the bond of the new snow before committing to high-consequence terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

The past few days saw small (size 1) storm slab and loose avalanches in alpine terrain. Loose wet avalanches are also expected on sun-exposed slopes during the heat of the day.

Please consider submitting your observations to the MIN if you head to the backcountry.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 30 cm of recent snow accumulated over the past few days, with rain below 1000 to 1500 m. This new snow sits on surface hoar crystals that overly soft or wind affect snow on northerly alpine terrain or a hard melt-freeze crust elsewhere. Thicker deposits may be found in lee terrain features near ridgetop. Sun-exposed slopes are likely crusty in the morning and moistening with daytime heating.

Weak faceted grains above a hard crust that formed in early February is buried around 100 to 150 cm deep. The layer is strengthening and is currently dormant.

The remainder of the snowpack is settled.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy. 30 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Sunday

Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.

Monday

Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.

Tuesday

Clear skies. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Recently formed slabs could remain touchy to riders over the weekend. They rest on weak layers on northerly aspects and a hard crust elsewhere. Deeper deposits could be found in lee terrain features near ridgetop.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Wet loose activity on sun-exposed slopes is possible during the heat of the day.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

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

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