Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 20th, 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 CG, Avalanche Canada

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Get going early and avoid exposure to steep, sunny terrain being baked by direct sun. Wet loose avalanches have the potential to dig deeper as they move downslope, collecting a hefty mass that would ruin your day.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Several loose, wet avalanches (sz 2-3) were observed on S'ly aspects Sunday, the largest being a deposit of wet, chunky debris on the Twins snowshed west of Rogers Pass. Frequent Flyer spit out a wet sz 2.5 midday Sunday

Deep persistent slabs are of concern, with a report of a cornice-triggered pocket high on Mt Smart failing to glacial ice, as well as a deep slab on Mt Fidelity. Also, the SW aspect at the top of 8812 Bowl/Bruins Ridge has reloaded on the basal crust, waiting for another release.

Snowpack Summary

Sun and warm afternoon temps have created a surface crust on solar aspects at all elevations, while N'ly slopes contain settled, dry powder (good, predictable riding).

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

Weather Summary

Sunny days with cool, clear nights for the week. Feels like Spring...

Tonight: clear, Alp low -4*C, light E winds

Tues: mix of sun/clouds, Alp high -2*C, light ridge winds, FZL rising to 1900m in PM

Wed: sun and cloud, Alp high -1, light ridge winds, FZL 2000m in PM

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 lose cohesion and trigger easily in steep terrain.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 21st, 2023 4:00PM

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