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 Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
⚠️ While deep snow is easier to ride on steep slopes, reactivity & remote triggers continue in this terrain ⚠️
Choose smaller, supported slopes with no overhead hazard and watch for the sun!
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday operators reported a recent natural cycle to size 2, likely triggered by wind loading or sun.
Multiple MINs report ongoing remotely triggered activity. This excellent MIN details a near miss with multiple parties riding in a small area. Thanks to all for sharing your observations and learnables!
Observations are quite limited as operators remain cautious about stepping into avalanche terrain. We expect human triggering remains likely including remotes.
Snowpack Summary
Recent settling storm snow of up to 140 cm continues to be redistributed by winds into deeper slabs on north and east facing slopes at treeline and above.
Multiple weak layers exist in the mid snowpack. The most concerning layer is buried 70-150 cm deep, with facets (or in sheltered areas, preserved surface hoar) above a crust. This layer is likely most concerning at treeline elevations where these crystals are most easily preserved.
This layer continues to show sensitivity to human triggers through remote and rider triggered avalanches, and will take time to begin to settle and bond.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries delivering up to 10 cm in localised areas. 10-20 km/h westerly winds. Freezing level drops to sea level.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with afternoon sun possible. 10-20 km/h westerly winds. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level around 500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly clear skies and sun. 20-30 km/h northwest winds. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level around 500 m.
Wednesday
Mostly clear skies, with afternoon cloud. 20-30 km/h northwest winds. Treeline temperature -8 °C. Freezing level around 500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid being on or under sun exposed slopes.
- Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Larger and more reactive slabs sit on north and east facing slopes near ridges. Continue to minimize your exposure to avalanche terrain and watch for signs of instability.
Danger will rise quickly if the sun appears.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Buried weak layers are most concerning at treeline elevations. Small avalanches may step down to this layer resulting in very large, destructive avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 4th, 2024 4:00PM
