Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 22nd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeAs new snow accumulates be sure to assess for cohesive slab formation and how it is bonding to the underlying crust.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Wet-loose avalanches up to size 2 have been reported daily during the recent warm, sunny weather.
A few natural, cornice failures were also reported in the region recently recently.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
New snow arriving Thursday will bury a melt-freeze crust, existing on all aspects at treeline and below. The crust extends into the alpine on solar aspects. In north-facing alpine terrain the surface snow has remained cold and dry during the recent warm, sunny weather.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and bonding. At the bottom of the snowpack, a layer of weak facets remains present and continues to be monitored, however, it does not appear to be a significant concern currently.
Weather Summary
Wednesday night
Mostly cloudy, with isolated flurries. Treeline temperature 0 to -5 C. Light south ridgetop winds. Freezing level 700 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with flurries, and up to 10 cm. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C. Moderate south ridgetop winds. Freezing level 1300 m.
Friday
Cloudy with flurries, 2 to 10 cm. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C. Moderate south ridgetop winds. Freezing level 1000 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Treeline temperature -5 to -10 C. Light west ridgetop winds. Freezing level 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for wind and storm slab formation through the day in areas that receive more then just a few centimeters. New snow will bury a melt-freeze and/or surface hoar.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2023 4:00PM