Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
trettie,
Avalanche Canada
Continue to choose conservative, low consequence terrain.
The Likelihood of triggering a persistent slab is uncertain.
Solar input will likely weaken this already scary snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
One natural size 1.5 wind slab avalanche was reported on Friday. This avalanche was likely the result of the winds shifting to the east.
Over the past week in the neighbouring region, many natural and skier triggered persistent slab avalanches occurred on the facets above the early-February melt-freeze crust described in the Snowpack Summary.
Snowpack Summary
Winds have come from a variety of directions over the past couple days. Wind effect could be found on all aspects.
30 to 55 cm overlies a layer of surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain, weak facets, or a hard melt-freeze crust on south and west-facing slopes.
A thick and hard widespread crust that formed in early February is buried about 60 to 80 cm deep. This crust may have a layer of facets above it.
The eastern portion of this region is much shallower with a highly variable and wind effected snowpack.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly clear with trace amounts of new snow. 10 to 25 km/h northeast alpine wind. Treeline temperature -20°C.
Monday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 25 km/h west alpine wind. Treeline temperature  -13°C.
Tuesday
Sunny. 15 to 30 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -10°C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 5 to 25 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -8°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Conservative terrain selection is critical, choose only well supported, low consequence lines.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent new snow has been redistributed by wind blowing from a variety of directions. Smaller slabs may easily step down and trigger larger, more destructive avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets and/or surface hoar may rest above a hard-melt freeze crust that formed early February. This layer remains in the depth for human triggering .
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are possible in steep terrain and have the potential to step down to the early February crust.
Aspects: South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 4th, 2024 4:00PM
