Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada wlewis, Avalanche Canada

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Danger ratings have dropped but continue to assess conditions as you travel.

Minimize your exposure to thin and rocky start zones.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the last 3 days.

Neighboring regions have observed ongoing large avalanche activity on the buried weak layer of facets over a crust. Although not as large or likely in this region, triggering persistent slabs is still a concern as this layer is present.

Please submit a MIN report if you have travelled in the backcountry recently.

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions include sun crusts on south facing slopes, wind-affected snow, and small amounts of settling snow.

A widespread crust is buried 40-90 cm deep, in some areas a weak layer of facets can be found above but recent tests suggest this layer is gaining strength and 'healing'. No recent avalanche activity has been reported on this layer in this region, however this is the primary layer of concern in the snowpack.

The snowpack below this crust is strong and well bonded.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy with flurries bringing up to 5 cm of snow. 30-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level drops to 500 m.

Monday

Partly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20-30 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Freezing levels around 1500 m, treeline temperature -2 °C.

Tuesday

Partly cloudy. 20-40 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Freezing levels around 1500 m, treeline temperature -2 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly clear skies. 10-20 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Freezing levels around 1500 m, treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • This avalanche problem is difficult to trigger but if so, consequences are serious.
  • Avoid rock outcroppings, convexities, and anywhere the snowpack is thin and/or variable.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

While this layer appears to be gaining strength triggering is still possible. Avoid very thin and rocky slopes where weak layers are more likely to be preserved.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2024 4:00PM