Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 14th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
lbaker,
Avalanche Canada
A warm storm has delivered new snow and strong southwest winds to the region. Use extra caution when transitioning into wind affected terrain, where storm slabs remain reactive to human triggering.
Keep in mind that brief periods of strong solar input could increase natural avalanche activity.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, explosives control produced several storm slab avalanches to size 2.5. Several natural storm slab avalanches were observed to size 2.5 which likely occurred during the storm Monday night.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 20 cm of moist heavy storm snow overlies a variety of surfaces including wind-affected surfaces in open areas, a sun crust on steep solar aspects, and facetted snow in sheltered areas.
The mid-snowpack is generally well-settled. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and have not produced recent avalanche activity. We continue to track the layer and watch for any signs that it could wake up and produce very large avalanches.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. Alpine temperatures reach a low of -7 °C. Ridge wind 10-25 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level drop to the valley bottom.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -4 °C. Ridge wind 20 km/h gusting 40 km/h from the west. Freezing level 1400 meters.
Thursday
Mainly sunny. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -3 °C. Ridge wind variable 10 km/h. Freezing levels rise to 1500 meters.
Friday
Sunny. Alpine temperatures reach a high of -2 °C. Ridge wind southeast 15 km/h. Freezing levels rise to 1700 meters.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Problems
Storm Slabs
20 cm of warm heavy snow has settled into storm slabs above 1800 m. Watch for deeper pockets on north and east slopes where southwest winds have deposited storm snow into lees. Expect them to remain reactive to human triggering even though natural activity is tapering off.
Be alert when the solar input feels strong. Even brief periods of direct sun could initiate natural avalanche activity.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 15th, 2023 4:00PM
