Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 24th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada zryan, Avalanche Canada

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New snow is bonding poorly to the underlying surface. Small but reactive wind slabs may exist in lee areas.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Earlier in the week, strong solar radiation resulted in several natural and human-triggered size 1-2 loose wet avalanches from steep terrain on solar aspects.

On Friday, numerous small (size 1) natural dry loose avalanches were observed and a few skier-triggered wind slabs (size 1) occurred at treeline.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

At upper elevations, up to 15 cm of new snow overlies a crust on solar aspects, faceted snow and surface hoar up to 10 mm in shaded and wind-sheltered areas, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed areas. At lower elevations, a crust exists on or near the surface.

The mid-snowpack is generally well-settled. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity.

Weather Summary

Friday night

Cloudy with clear periods. Alpine temperatures drop to a low of -6 °C. Ridge wind 10 to 30 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Saturday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -2 °C. Ridge wind light from the southwest. Freezing level rises to 1400 metres.

Sunday

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -2 °C. Ridge wind east 10-25 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1300 metres.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -8 °C. Light easterly ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use small low consequence slopes to test the bond of the new snow.
  • Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New snow and wind have formed small but reactive wind slabs in lee areas. In sheltered terrain where the new snow remains loose and unconsolidated, dry loose avalanches will initiate easily in steeper terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 25th, 2023 4:00PM