Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 11th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
jsmith,
Avalanche Canada
Strong northeasterly winds have formed wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.
Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A couple small (size 1.5) naturally triggered wind slabs on steep west aspects in the alpine were reported on Friday.
A notable very large avalanche triggered by a cornice fall was reported in the pine pass area last weekend. See MIN.
Snowpack Summary
Strong northeast have formed fresh wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.
Thin sun crust can be found a steep, sunny slopes. Soft snow can be found in areas sheltered from wind and sun.
The middle of the snowpack is generally well settled and strong.
A weak layer of large and weak facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is of greatest concern in shallow snowpack areas in the north and east of the region.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / Light south ridgetop wind / Low temperature at treeline around -20 C
Sunday
Mix of sun and cloud / Light south ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -7 C
Monday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 3-5 cm / Strong south ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -7 C
Tuesday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries; 3-5 cm / Strong southwest ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -4 C
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
- Sheltered low elevation terrain will likely offer the best and safest riding today.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong northeasterly winds have formed fresh wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.
Aspects: South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth, but large triggers such as cornice failures or smaller avalanches in motion have the potential to produce very large avalanches with surprisingly wide propagation. Suspect terrain for human triggering includes steep, shallow, and rocky terrain where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 12th, 2023 5:00PM
