Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 18th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Loose Wet and Cornices.
jpercival,
Avalanche Canada
⚠️ Avoid being in or under avalanche terrain ⚠️Natural avalanches continue to be likely while it remains warm and sunny.
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Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On both Sunday and Saturday, a widespread natural avalanche cycle up to size 3 continued. Most reports aren't specific, as many operations didn't venture very far. Loose wet and persistent slab avalanches are most likely.
On Friday, a widespread natural avalanche cycle was observed with numerous size 3 avalanches on slopes that saw full sun.
Snowpack Summary
Moist or wet snow surfaces extend into the alpine on all aspects.
In general, 40 to 80 cm of settling snow sits on sun crusts and wind-affected surfaces.
Two layers of surface hoar and sun crust can be found in the top meter of the snowpack. One from late February and the other from early March.
A thick and hard widespread crust that formed in early February is buried about 70 to 130 cm deep. This crust has a layer of facets above it in many areas.
The snowpack below this crust is generally not concerning except in shallow alpine terrain.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Clear. Light west ridgetop wind. Freezing level dropping to between 2500 and 2000 m.
Tuesday
Sunny. Light west ridgetop wind, shifting to southwest in the afternoon. Freezing level between 2500 and 2000 m. Treeline high around 3 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. Light variable ridgetop wind. Freezing level dropping to around 2200 m.
Thursday
Cloudy. Light snowfall expected. 10-20 cm. Freezing levels vary widely across the forecast area, dropping to between 500 and 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain free of overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.
- Cornices may release remotely when approached.
- Avoid exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
- Avoid lingering or regrouping in runout zones.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Two reactive layers exist in the upper snowpack. One is down 40 cm and another down 70 to 130 cm. We expect natural avalanches on these layers to continue while sunny, warm weather continues.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Warm temperatures and sun will produce widespread wet loose avalanches, especially on steep slopes facing the sun. These may step-down and trigger deeper slab avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are becoming weak with above-freezing temperatures in the alpine. Cornice failure could trigger very large destructive avalanches. Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 19th, 2024 4:00PM
