Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 24th, 2024 1:15PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada Mikey, Avalanche Canada

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The snowpack is not to be trusted this year. Human triggered avalanches are possible. Read on regarding a close call......

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

One skier triggered avalanche size 3 occurred in Tent Bowl. The avalanche was triggered after the fourth turn and the skier was carried down with it and buried up to their neck but without any injuries. The avalanche depth varied from thin to thick with evidence of the March 20 interface, the February 2 crust, the basal facets and the ground. Some of the blocks were the size of a Ferrari. Please see the MIN report at https://avalanche.ca/map?panel=mountain-information-network-submissions%2F3a547b44-ea29-11ee-97c1-0a58a9feac02

Snowpack Summary

This last weekend has left us with 20-30cm of settled snow. Recent winds have created some wind slabs in the alpine. All of this is overlying the March Temperature crust that is found on all aspects except high pure north alpine areas. So far, the bond with the new snow and the underlying crust is good. Deeper in the snowpack the February 3rd crust still exists but avalanche activity on this layer has decreased since the warm temps last week settling out the snowpack. It is still worth digging and poking down to evaluate this layer.

When the sun comes out and the temperature rises, the avalanche hazard will increase.

Weather Summary

Monday morning will start off cool at -13c and warm up to -3c in the alpine. Skies will be a mix of sun, cloud and light flurries. Winds will be moderate to light from the NW.

Be aware that when the sun does come out it packs a punch at this time of year and quickly snow stability will deteriorate on the solar aspects. Thin cloud can also lead to a "Greenhouse effect" that can also make the upper snowpack moist and unstable. Lots going on in Spring!

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Conditions may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Isolated windslabs in alpine areas along ridgelines. These slabs do not appear to extend far downslope. Be sure to assess local wind affect in areas you are travelling.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

This layer is the Feb 2 crust. More prominent on polar aspects.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Facets near the base of the snowpack may be trigerred from thin areas. Low probability high consequence avalanches should be in your mind.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Mar 25th, 2024 3:00PM