Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 20th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada ejones, Avalanche Canada

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Where a thick surface crust is present, large avalanches are unlikely.

If unsure, choose mellow terrain and avoid being under steep slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. With a thick surface crust forming from below-freezing temperatures, we expect persistent slab avalanches to become unlikely to trigger.

A widespread natural avalanche cycle, with persistent slab avalanches up to size 2.5, continued until Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

About 5 cm of new snow now overlies a strong melt-freeze crust. This crust is expected to decrease the likelihood of triggering avalanches.

A widespread crust, formed in early February, is buried about 50 to 110 cm deep. This crust has a weak layer of facets above it in many areas.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear. 15 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures drop to -12 °C. Freezing level 1000 m dropping to surface.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -8 °C.

Friday

Few clouds. 20 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -10 °C.

Saturday

Sunny. 20 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -10 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of facets rests above a hard melt freeze crust that formed in early February. Where the surface has a new, thick crust, human triggering of this weak layer is unlikely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Mar 21st, 2024 4:00PM