Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 13th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeStormy conditions may continue to build new wind slabs.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
We haven't received reports of recent avalanche activity, although riders noted cracking of snow in wind-exposed terrain at alpine elevations.Looking forward, expect wind slabs to be touchy to human traffic in wind exposed terrain as strong wind and new snow continue to form new slabs.
Snowpack Summary
Storm snow continues to accumulate, building on the 20 to 40 cm of snow that accumulated up until Monday afternoon. Strong northwest to southwest wind is blowing this snow into wind slabs in lee terrain features. This snow overlies previously wind affected snow at higher elevations and a hard melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. Reports suggest the snow is bonding well to these surfaces.
The middle and lower snowpack are well consolidated, containing numerous thick and hard melt-freeze crusts. We continue to track these layers but recent snowpack test results suggest that they aren't a concern.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with snowfall with periods of clearing, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -4 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -3 °C.
WednesdayCloudy with snowfall then clearing, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, treeline temperature -2 °C.
ThursdayPartly cloudy with no precipitation, 20 km/h southeast wind, treeline temperature 0 °C, freezing level 1200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Snow and strong wind continue to form wind slabs in wind-exposed terrain. Assess for hardened slabs in steep terrain prior to committing.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 14th, 2023 4:00PM