Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 18th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Begin your day early and steer clear of avalanche terrain while daytime warming and sun effect weaken a supportive surface crust.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural, skier, and explosive-triggered large persistent slab avalanches were reported over the weekend. Reports suggest remotely triggered avalanches remain possible.

Snowpack Summary

A widespread melt-freeze crust exists on the surface. Expect the crust to deteriorate, and the surface snow to become moist at lower elevations and south-facing terrain throughout the day.

Several weak layers, including crusts, facets, and/or surface hoar exist approximately 90 and 180 cm below the surface.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Partly cloudy. 0 to 20 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of snow at higher elevations. 20 to 40 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Thursday

Sunny. 10 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Persistent slab avalanches remain possible, especially later in the day as the surface crust deteriorates and surfaces become moist from daytime warming and/or solar effect.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Expect wet loose avalanche activity to increase with daytime warming and solar effect.

These may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger-than-expected avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 19th, 2024 4:00PM

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