Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 14th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jleblanc, Avalanche Canada

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Continued snowfalls will keep the danger elevated.

Avoid alpine terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow or wind.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche has been reported, but field observations are limited. Natural avalanche activity likely occurred during the storm on Thursday. If you head into the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Thursday, the region received 15-20 cm of new storm snow. Moderate to strong wind has likely formed deeper, more reactive deposits in leeward terrain. This overlies soft snow, wind-affected or wind-scoured surfaces. A weak layer of faceted crystal or surface hoar found 65-80 cm deep remains a concern. The midpack is generally facetted to ground.

The average snowpack depth at treeline is around 150 cm.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries expected. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -8 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with 15 to 20 cm of new snow expected. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -3 °C.

Saturday

Cloudy with 5 cm of new snow expected. 50 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +1 °C. Freezing level around 1200 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.
  • Stick to non-avalanche terrain or small features with limited consequence.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Heavy snowfalls will likely create touchy slabs in steep terrain, especially on wind-loaded slopes. These slabs may step down to deeper layers, resulting in larger-than-expected avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 15th, 2024 4:00PM