Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 26th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
IG,
Avalanche Canada
Spring convective flurries and moderate winds have created a new windslab in the Alpine and some areas at Treeline. Use caution at ridgetop or exposed/cross loaded areas.
A deep persistent weak layer remains in the snowpack, avoid thin rocky areas where triggering this layer will be more likely.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday a size 1 wind slab was reported near the summit of Mt Rogers. No other avalanches have been observed or reported in the Park for several days.
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack is not quite into the spring freeze/thaw cycle yet, it's mostly just stuck on freeze. Expect a robust surface crust on all aspects below 1700m making for difficult travel. Above this elevation north facing slopes still hold up to 15cm of dry snow.
A weak layer formed on March 9th is down ~30cm and the Feb 3rd persistent weak layer remains a concern at 80-140cm deep. The lower snowpack is well settled and strong.
Weather Summary
We'll experience unsettled weather this week, with potential for convective flurries. A frontal system brings light snowfall Thursday/Friday.
Wed: Mainly cloudy with flurries. Snow: 1-2cms, alpine temp: high -4 °C moderate SW winds, FZL 1600m
Thurs: Cloudy with sunny periods, Snow: 1-2cms, alpine low -4 °C, winds: SW 20-35km/hr, FZL 1900m
Fri: Cloudy, possible flurries. snow: 4cm, alpine high -4 °C, FZL 1700m
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- Remember that the snowpack will be significantly different at higher elevations than lower down.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Moderate winds and intense convective squalls have created a fresh wind slab in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline. Practice good group management if you move into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Two persistent weak layers are the main concern in the snowpack. One down ~30cm which, if triggered, could step down to the deeper layer (80-140cm) producing destructive slab avalanches. When there is a supportive crust on the surface, slab avalanches are less of a concern.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 27th, 2024 4:00PM
