Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
kbakker,
Avalanche Canada
Sunshine and light winds can make big lines appealing, but wind slabs continue to be found.Assess your line before committing, and consider sticking to sheltered terrain for better riding.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Recent slab avalanche activity was noted in the microwave area yesterday. Field observations have been very limited, if you head out, please consider submitting and MIN.
The photo below shows a recent larger avalanche that stepped down from a smaller avalanche initiated in the gully above.
Snowpack Summary
In alpine and open treeline areas, 15 to 30 cm of wind-affected snow sits over a variety of surfaces including facets over a crust, old hard wind slabs, or surface hoar. The surface hoar is most likely to be found in sheltered areas at treeline and below.
Soft snow and good riding can still be found in wind-sheltered areas.
Another layer of weak, faceted crystals and a crust may be found buried 30 to 60 cm deep.
The lower snowpack is generally well-bonded and strong.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Clouds clearing overnight. East ridgetop wind, 15 to 30 km/h. Treeline temperature -22 °C.
Monday
Sunny. Southeast switching to northwest ridgetop wind, 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. West ridgetop wind, 5 to 15 km/h. Treeline temperature around -8 °C.
Wednesday
Increasing cloudiness. Southwest ridgetop wind, 20 to 40 km/h. Treeline temperature -6 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may step down to deeper layers triggering larger than expected avalanches.
Aspects: North, South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Weak sugary facets overlying a crust or a layer of buried surface hoar may be susceptible to human triggers in isolated areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 4th, 2024 4:00PM
