Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 21st, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs.
jleblanc,
Avalanche Canada
A gradual cooling and overnight recovery should decrease the likelihood of avalanches.
Uncertainty remains on how quickly the persistent slabs will gain strength.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new recent avalanches were reported.
Debris from the past widespread avalanche cycle are still visible throughout the region.
If you go into the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A melt-freeze crust exists on the surface in most areas. The frozen surface may soften throughout the day at lower elevations and south-facing slopes. Dry powder snow can still exist on true north-facing alpine slopes. A weak layer of surface hoar is developing in sheltered areas at treeline. At lower elevations, snowpack was isothermal the last few days.
A layer of weak, faceted crystals over a crust, or surface hoar, remains a lingering concern, buried approximately 40 to 80 cm deep. This layer produced impressive avalanches during the past weekend.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Clear periods. 10 to 30 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Friday
Sunny. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level near 1000 m. Overnight refreeze expected.
Saturday
Sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5°C. Freezing level 1000 m. Overnight refreeze expected.
Sunday
Sunny. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2°C. Freezing level rising to 1000 m. Overnight refreeze expected.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Cooling temperatures will decrease the likelihood of triggering persistent slabs. Uncertainty remains on how quickly these slabs will gain strength. Meanwhile, keep using caution, especially on shallow rocky alpine terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
