Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 26th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
lbaker,
Avalanche Canada
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
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 27th, 2023 4:00PM
