Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 5th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ahanna,
Avalanche Canada
Wind slabs may be found on a variety of aspects due to recently shifting wind direction. The air is cold but the March sun can be strong so avoid exposure to cornices and watch for signs of warming on steep south aspects.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, there were a few reports of storm slab avalanches, a size 2.5 triggered by a cornice fall and a size 1.5 accidentally triggered by a skier.
Large to very large (size 2-3.5) natural storm and wind slab avalanches were observed during the recent storm.
Snowpack Summary
40-60 cm of new snow has been loaded into isolated wind slabs on many aspects from variable winds in exposed areas, while remaining lighter and softer in sheltered terrain.
A layer of small surface hoar or facets is now buried over 80 cm deep. A facet/crust layer formed in late January exists around 150 cm deep. Large avalanches were suspected to have run on this layer in mid February.
The lower snowpack is generally well consolidated but as you move further inland where the snowpack is thinner, basal instabilities linger.
Weather Summary
Sunday night
Scattered cloud. Moderate easterly wind. Alpine low -17 ºC.
Monday
Mostly sunny. Moderate easterly wind easing to light. Alpine high -15 ºC.
Tuesday
Increasing cloud. Light variable wind. Alpine high -14 ºC.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. Strong southeast wind. Alpine high -9 ºC.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent easterly winds have likely reverse-loaded recent snow into atypical terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 6th, 2023 4:00PM
