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 Loose Wet.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Natural activity is expected to continue as temperatures remain high.
Avoid avalanche terrain, particularly sun affected slopes.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Wet avalanche activity was observed Thursday and Friday with strong sunshine and warm temperatures producing small loose avalanches.
Continued widespread wet avalanches and cornice failures are expected as warming persists. We expect avalanches to increase in size as temperatures remain high over the weekend with limited overnight refreeze.
Snowpack Summary
The upper 30-50 cm of the snowpack is wet from warm temperatures and strong sunshine. This wet snow has a poor bond with the dry snow, or thin crust found below.
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and dense, however buried crusts exist that may make sliding surfaces for avalanche activity as the warming affects deeper into the snowpack.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Clear skies. 30 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Freezing level remains above 3000 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 20 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +13 °C with freezing level remaining at 3300 m.
Monday
Sunny. 10-20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +12 °C with freezing level above 3000 m.
Tuesday
Sunny. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +10 °C with freezing level dropping to 2500 m in the afternoon.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.
Problems
Loose Wet
Loose wet or wet slab avalanches are increasingly likely as warming continues, with no overnight cooling. Greatest concern is for steep south-facing slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 17th, 2024 4:00PM
