Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 10th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
mhalik,
Avalanche Canada
Use caution in wind-loaded terrain. Recently formed wind slabs may need more time to bond to underlying layers.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported.
On Wednesday, a large (size 2) avalanche was reported on a north aspect in the alpine. It is suspected to have failed on a layer of surface hoar that has produced a few isolated but surprising avalanches over the last couple of weeks, See photo below. Field observations have been limited, if you're out in the backcountry please consider submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of recent snow covers old, firm, wind-affected or crusty surfaces. Moderate to strong southerly wind has likely formed deeper deposits of fresh, reactive wind slab on lee slopes that may not be sticking well to the old surface. In isolated areas buried surface hoar may be found 20 to 40 cm deep.
Below 1500 m, a thick melt-freeze crust is buried 50 to 100 cm deep.
The mid-pack is generally strong and bridges the weak crystals at the base of the snowpack.The average snowpack depth at treeline is around 200 cm.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy, with 0 to 3 cm of snow expected. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -8 °C.
Monday
Cloudy, with 0 to 2 cm of snow expected. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -7 °C.
Tuesday
Cloudy, with 2 to 6 cm of snow expected. 40 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -5 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy, with 1 to 6 cm of new snow expected. 35 to 45 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -6 °C
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs formed over the last few days are likely gaining strength but may remain triggerable in specific places.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 11th, 2024 4:00PM
