Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada CB, Avalanche Canada

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Stick to polar aspects to find the best skiing and lowest avalanche hazard.

Minimize your exposure to solar facing terrain in the afternoon, when the hazard will be elevated.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

This week there have been afternoon solar triggered avalanches sz 2-2.5, with isolated sz 3's. Some of these avalanches occuring at treeline and below have failed at the ground and gouged deep into the snowpack.

Deep persistent slabs are a concern, with a report of a cornice-triggered pocket high on Mt Smart failing to glacial ice, as well as a deep slab on Mt Fidelity.

Snowpack Summary

Sun and warm afternoon temps have created a surface crust on solar aspects at all elevations, while N'ly slopes contain settled, dry powder (good, predictable riding). An incoming storm will bury these surfaces and patchy surface hoar starting Thursday night.

Below this is a generally strong snowpack, however the basal weakness of rounding facets/decomposing crust near the ground should factor in to your terrain-use decisions.

Weather Summary

High pressure breaks down Thursday, as a frontal system brings light precip Thursday night into Friday. Temperature will cool.

Tonight: clear, Alp low -5*C, light SW ridge winds

Thurs: PM Flurries 6cm, Alp high -4, light SW ridge winds, FZL 1600m

Fri: Scattered flurries, 4cm, Alp high -8*C, light W winds, FZL 1200m

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

As the sun heats up solar slopes, expect the surface snow to lose cohesion and trigger easily in steep terrain. Minimize exposure to terrain facing the sun in the afternoon when the hazard will peak.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2023 4:00PM