Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 16th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Avoid being in or under avalanche terrain.
Sun and high temperatures are making large natural avalanches likely.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, widespread natural avalanches were reported up to size 2.5, loose wet and wet slabs possibly failing on the persistent weak layer formed in early February.
As freezing levels remain elevated, we expect natural avalanche activity to continue.
Snowpack Summary
As sunny days and high freezing levels continue, more of the upper snowpack will get moist or wet. This will make the snowpack more unstable, including any persistent weak layers under the most recent snow, including a layer of large feathery surface hoar observed in the Mt. Cain area.
80 to 120 cm below the snow surface, a layer of softer, faceted snow overlies a crust on all but high north aspects.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Clear. Moderate to strong south ridgetop wind. Treeline low around 8°C.
Sunday
Sunny. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind, easing to light in the afternoon. Treeline temperature around 7 °C.
Monday
Sunny. Light south ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 10 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain free of overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.
- Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
80-150 cm of settling snow sits over a weak layer of faceted snow and spotty surface hoar on a firm crust. Rising freezing levels and solar input will increase the likelihood of triggering this layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Warming and periods of sun will produce widespread wet loose avalanches, especially on steep sun-exposed slopes. These may step-down and trigger deeper slab avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 17th, 2024 4:00PM
