Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 14th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Persistent Slabs.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
Avoid being in or under avalanche terrain.
Intense spring sun and rising temperatures are making large natural avalanches likely.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported.
Looking forward, we expect that natural avalanches will be likely, and human triggered avalanches will be very likely.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo or two.
Snowpack Summary
In the morning, dry snow may remain at high elevations, with refrozen crusts at lower elevations. Through the day, surface snow will start to melt due to intense spring sun and freezing levels forecasted to be well above mountain tops. This loose, melted snow will get deeper into the snowpack as the day goes on.
A widespread crust is buried 40-90 cm deep. In some areas, a weak layer of facets can be found above. Recent tests suggested this layer was gaining strength, and no recent avalanche activity had been reported. However, we expect the warm weather to destabilise the snowpack, and this layer could become active again.
The snowpack below this crust is strong and well bonded.
Weather Summary
Any night-time cooling will be restricted to near valley bottom, the alpine will stay well above 0 °C.
Thursday Night
Clear. No new snow expected. Light to moderate northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing levels rise to 2700 m. Treeline high around 3 °C.
Friday
Sunny. No new snow expected. Light north ridgetop wind. Freezing level rises to 3200 m. Treeline high around 6 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. No new snow expected. Freezing level 3300 m. Light northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 8 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. No new snow expected. Freezing level 3300 m. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline high around 8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain free of overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Problems
Loose Wet
Freezing levels are rising, and the spring sun packs a punch. Loose moist snow on the surface will get deeper through the day, increasing the chance of loose wet avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
High temperatures and intense spring sun have the potential to wake up this weak layer. Avoid very thin and rocky slopes where weak layers are more likely to be preserved.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 15th, 2024 4:00PM
