Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 23rd, 2024 2:15PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mkoppang, Avalanche Canada

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20-30cm of recent settled snow has refreshed the skiing in many areas. Southern aspects have a temperature crust that makes skiing challenging but north sides still have good snow down to the valley floor.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanche activity was observed or reported on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

20-30cm of recent settled snowhas fallen under the influence of the up slope and convective storms moving through the region this past week. This snow has seen very little wind affect but there is a sun crust on solar aspects making the skiing challenging in some areas. Recent snow is overlying the March Temperature crust that is found on all aspects except high pure north alpine areas. So far, the bond with the new snow and the underlying crust is good. Deeper in the snowpack the February 3rd crust still exists but avalanche activity on this layer has decreased since the warm temps last week settling out the snowpack. It is still worth digging and poking down to evaluate this layer.

Weather Summary

Light snow is forecast to continue with accumulations around 5cm. Winds will continue to be light out of the E and skies will generally be a mix of sun and cloud. Temperatures will be -10C overnight warming up to -5in the middle of the day. Not much changing weather wise.

Be aware that when the sun does come out it packs a punch at this time of year and quickly snow stability will deteriorate on the solar aspects. Thin cloud can also lead to a "Greenhouse effect" that can also make the upper snowpack moist and unstable. Lots going on in Spring!

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Conditions may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • The more the snowpack warms-up and weakens, the more conservative you`ll want to be with your terrain selection.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Isolated windslabs in alpine areas along ridgelines. These slabs do not appear to extend far downslope. Be sure to assess local wind affect in areas you are travelling.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

This layer is the Feb 2 crust. More prominent on polar aspects.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Facets near the base of the snowpack may be trigerred from thin areas. Low probability high consequence avalanches should be in your mind.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Mar 25th, 2024 3:00PM