Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 2nd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Storm Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Continue to choose low angle and supported terrain features.
Watch for strong sunshine, even brief periods can rapidly increase avalanche danger and produce natural avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Periods of sunshine on Friday triggered natural avalanche activity to size 2 on Friday. Remotely triggered avalanches continued, to size 2.
Avalanches continue to occur on all aspects, within the storm snow and on buried weak layers up to 90 cm deep.
Snowpack Summary
Storm totals of 40-80 cm are beginning to settle, with wind effect in exposed, high terrain.
Multiple weak layers exist in the upper and mid snowpack. The most concerning layer is found down 40 to 100 cm with a layer of facets (or in isolated areas, preserved surface hoar) above a crust. This layer is most prevalent at treeline elevations.
The storm snow and buried weak layers have produced recent large avalanche activity. Although natural avalanche activity may taper off, human triggering remains likely.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. 10-25 km/h southerly wind. Freezing levels drop to valley bottom.
Sunday
Cloudy with possible sunny periods and isolated flurries. 10-20km/hr southerly winds. Treeline temperature -9 °C. Freezing levels reach 500 m.
Monday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Light and variable winds. Treeline temperature -11 °C. Freezing levels at valley bottom.
Tuesday
Cloudy morning with afternoon sun. 20-40km/hr northwest winds. Treeline temperature -11 °C. Freezing levels at valley bottom.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
- Brief periods of sun could quickly initiate natural avalanche activity.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Facets or surface hoar above a crust is most prevalent at treeline elevaitons. Storm slab avalanches may step down to this layer resulting in very large, destructive avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
Deeper and more sensitive slabs exist on north and east facing slopes near ridges. Danger may rise quickly if the sun appears.
Good travel habits are key, minimize your exposure to avalanche terrain and evaluate safe spots with caution.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
