Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 29th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.
mconlan,
Avalanche Canada
Expect varying conditions with elevation and aspect. Assess for the bond of the new snow before committing to high-consequence terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
The past few days saw widespread small (size 1) storm slab and loose avalanches in alpine terrain. Riders could trigger similar avalanches on Saturday. 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 to moisten 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
Friday Night
Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
Sunday
Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Monday
Clear skies. 10 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °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.
Problems
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
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose activity on sun-exposed slopes is possible during the heat of the day.
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 30th, 2024 4:00PM
