Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 6th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeThe snowpack remains primed for large human triggered avalanches. Cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making is essential.
Have plans to ski conservative, well-supported slopes with limited overhead exposure.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, a field crew remote-triggered a sz 1 on the Feb 3 crust while approaching a snow profile site. Under the Rampart a sz 3 was observed from the last few days showing very wide propagation.
A skier-triggered a sz 2 slab on Avalanche Crest Sunday.
Last week, a group triggered a size 3 in the Camp West area, also failing on the Feb 3rd crust.
We continue to see daily reports in the region of human triggered avalanches on the Feb 3rd layer - some failing in small forest openings.
Snowpack Summary
80-140cm of settled snow sits atop sugary facets. These facets are not bonding/sticking well to the widespread, very firm Feb 3 crust. This crust is a significant persistent weak layer and will be the main layer of concern for the foreseeable future.
To add to the concerning mix, variable winds over the last 3 days have created soft wind slabs at Tree-line and above on most aspects.
Weather Summary
Cool and dry weather for the next few days, the late winter sun packs a punch and will increase the likelihood of avalanches as it warms the upper snowpack
Thurs: Cloudy with sunny periods, high -10°C, light SW winds, FZL at valley bottom.
Fri: Trace precip, high -4°C, Moderate SW winds, FZL 1300m.
Sat: 7cm, low -10°C, moderate S winds gusting to strong, FZL 1800m.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low-angle, well-supported terrain with no overhead hazard.
- Remote triggering is a concern, avoid terrain where triggering slopes from below is possible
- Even brief periods of direct sun could produce natural avalanches.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
This crust-facet combo (Feb 3rd) was created by an extended cold, clear period without snow earlier this month. 80-140cm now sits on the persistent weak layer which remains primed for human triggering (see FB video). If triggered resulting avalanches could be very large in size.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Variable winds have created wind slabs in atypical lee features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 7th, 2024 4:00PM