Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 18th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada KR, Avalanche Canada

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Expect some awkward, crunchy travel on solar slopes in the mornings ahead!

As the surface crust breaks down, decrease your exposure to steep, rocky, sun exposed terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Minimal avalanche activity observed today (<size 1.5) from steep, rocky features at treeline in the highway corridor. On Friday, we observed a few larger loose snow avalanches on steep solar aspects, up to size 2.5.

There was a widespread cycle of avalanche activity on steep solar aspects on Thursday. These were primarily loose snow avalanches in the size 1-2 range, with a few larger (size 3) avalanches in the steep paths off of Mt. Tupper. There was also skier triggered size 1.5 slab avalanche reported in 8812 bowl. All activity was suspected to be failing on the March 11th crust.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 40cm of recent snow is settling over a variety of old surfaces (sun crust, surface hoar and soft facetted snow). This storm snow will take longer to bond where it sits on a crust/surface hoar combo.

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

Weather Summary

High pressure will maintain stable weather throughout the week.

Tonight: Clear periods. Alpine low -5°C. Light Southwest ridgetop winds.

Sunday: Sunny periods. High -3°C, freezing level (FZL) 1800m. Light E winds.

Monday: Mainly cloudy. Low -7°C, High -3°C, FZL 1700m. Light E wind.

Tuesday: Mainly sunny. Low -10°C, High -4°C. FZL 1500m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
  • 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 loose cohesion and trigger easily in steep terrain.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 19th, 2023 4:00PM