Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 16th, 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.
lbaker,
Avalanche Canada
⚠️ Avoid all avalanche terrain ⚠️Elevated temperatures in the alpine and solar input will result in a widespread natural avalanche cycle.
Check out our latest blog for more information.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, a widespread natural avalanche cycle was observed throughout the region with numerous size 3 avalanches on slopes that saw full sun. Cornice failure, solar input and/or warm temperatures were the triggers for these avalanches.
Widespread natural avalanche activity will continue over the next few days. Avoid all avalanche terrain and exposure from overhead hazards as avalanches could run full path.
Snowpack Summary
Moist snow surfaces extend into the alpine on all aspects. The exception may be the high, shaded north-facing terrain where the surface remained dry.
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
Saturday Night
Clear skies. 20 increasing to 40 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Alpine temperature remains around +7°C. Freezing level between 3200 and 3500 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind occasionally gusting to 30 km/h. Alpine temperature high +5°C, low +1°C. Freezing level drops through the day from 3500 to 2800 m.
Monday
Mainly sunny. 10 to 25 km/h west ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures high of +2°C. Freezing level drops to 2500 m.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures high of +1°C. Freezing level 2500 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 the deeper one down 70 to 130 cm. We expect to see a widespread avalanche cycle on these layers with intense warming through the weekend.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Warming and periods of sun will produce widespread wet loose avalanches, especially on steep sun-exposed slopes. 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 17th, 2024 4:00PM
