Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 20th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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The upper snowpack continues to adjust to recent warm, sunny weather - watch for surface snow turning wet and be wary of cornices.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

We suspect that there have been several naturally triggered, loose-wet avalanches in steep, solar-facing terrain, over the weekend.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures and solar radiation continue to produce moist snow surfaces on all but high-elevation northerly terrain. As temperatures drop overnight a surface crust will form.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and bonded.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries/rain. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Light east ridgetop winds. Freezing level 1400 m.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. Treeline temperatures 0 to 5 C. Moderate east ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 1900 m.

Wednesday

Sunny. Treeline temperatures 0 to 5 C. Very light ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 1900 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with flurries, 5 to 10 cm. Treeline temperature around 0 C. Light to moderate south ridgetop winds. Freezing level 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

The upper snowpack continues to adjust to the recent spring-like weather. Expect small loose wet avalanches to be reactive on steep, solar aspects with sun and warm temperatures on Tuesday.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 21st, 2023 4:00PM