Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 27th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
rgoddard,
Avalanche Canada
The wind is forecasted to change direction and increase in velocity.
Pay attention to snow stability as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity was reported since Friday.
Several rider-triggered size 1 wind slab avalanches were reported on lee aspects at upper elevations on Friday.
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
At higher elevations, moderate southwesterly winds may have transported the 10 to 20 cm of recent snow and formed small wind slabs. Incoming moderate to strong easterly winds may develop new wind slabs where they typically do not occur.
Below the recent snow is a melt-freeze crust, existing on all aspects at treeline and below. The crust extends to mountain tops on sunny aspects. In north-facing high alpine terrain, the surface snow may have remained cold and dry.
The mid and lower snowpack consists of a number of old crusts and facetted snow that continue to be monitored, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly clear, potential trace accumulation in the southeast, winds east 20 to 35 km/h, freezing levels to 1600 m.
Tuesday
Sunny with a few clouds, no accumulation, winds northeast 30 to 40 km/h, freezing levels reaching 1600 m.
Wednesday
Sunny with late day clouds, no accumulation, winds variable and light, freezing levels 1700 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud, potential trace accumulation, winds southwest 15 to 20 km/h, freezing levels to 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Light to moderate southwesterly winds will become moderate to strong northeasterly winds. Wind slabs may develop on all aspects at higher elevations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 28th, 2023 4:00PM
