Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 26th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada lbaker, Avalanche Canada

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Small isolated wind slabs may be found on exposed lee features in the alpine and below ridgetops. Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs before committing to them.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was reported on Saturday.

Several rider triggered size 1 wind slab avalanches were reported on lee aspects at upper elevations on Friday.

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

10-20 cm of recent snow and light to moderate southwesterly wind may have formed small wind slabs on lee features at upper elevations.

Below the recent snow is a melt-freeze crust, existing on all aspects at treeline and below. The crust extends to mountain tops on sunny aspects. In north facing high alpine terrain the surface snow may have remained cold and dry.

The mid and lower snowpack consists of a number of old crusts and facetted snow that continue to be monitored, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Mostly clear. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Temperatures at treeline reach a low of -7 C. Freezing levels drop to valley bottom.

Monday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Temperatures at treeline reach a high of -2 C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Tuesday

Sunny. Strong east ridgetop wind. Temperatures at treeline reach a high of -1 C. Freezing level 1700 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Temperatures at treeline reach a high of 0 C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

10-20 cm of recent dry snow and light to moderate southwesterly winds may have formed small wind slabs on lee features at upper elevations.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 27th, 2023 4:00PM