Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 1st, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
While danger ratings are dropping and natural activity may stop, human triggering is still likely
Stick to conservative terrain, avoid large slopes and overhead hazard
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche activity was observed Thursday to size 2.5, with the largest slabs reported from wind loaded features. Observations are currently limited, however we expect rider triggering is still likely.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 90 cm of recent snow has been heavily wind affected in exposed terrain. Storm snow sits over wind-affected surfaces and 30 to 60 cm of settling snow in sheltered areas.
Multiple weak layers exist in the upper and mid snowpack. The most concerning weak layer is a widespread crust found down 60 to 100 cm, with weak, faceted snow immediately above it. This layer will need time to adjust to the new snow load.
The storm snow and buried weak layers have produced recent large avalanche activity. Although natural avalanche activity may taper off, it will remain possible to human-trigger it for some time afterward.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Partly cloudy with 5-10 cm of snow possible early evening. 20-40 km/h southerly winds, Freezing level 1000 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with 5 cm of snow possible, and afternoon sun. 30-40 km/h southerly winds. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level hovers around 700 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. The freezing level hovers around 900 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
- Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
- Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Deeper and more sensitive slabs exist on north and east facing slopes near ridges. Danger may rise quickly if the sun appears.
Good travel habits are key, minimize your exposure to avalanche terrain and evaluate safe spots with caution.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Facets above a crust persists deep in the snowpack most prevalent at treeline elevations. Storm slabs may step down to this layer resulting in very large, destructive avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2024 4:00PM
