Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 4th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Stay tuned in for changes in wind loading as you travel through different aspects and elevations. Variable winds may create wind slabs on all aspects, and at lower elevations.
Be aware that reactivity may increase on sun affected slopes if skies clear.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Small loose dry avalanches continue to be reported from wind sheltered terrain. Small wind slabs have been observed, naturally and human triggered, primarily on north facing slopes from southerly winds. We expect wind slabs to be reactive on south and west facing slopes as easterly winds continue.
Deep persistent avalanches were also reported in nearby regions, mainly south of Valemount in the Rockies. This layer is present in this region, but has not produced recent activity.
Observations are limited, please post any information or photos from your travel on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Variable winds have redistributed storm snow into deeper deposits on many aspects while soft snow remains in sheltered areas. Storm totals overlie heavily wind effected snow now roughly 20-60 cm deep. This interface remains slow to bond and gain strength.
The middle of the snowpack is generally strong.
A weak layer of large and weak facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is present in this region, but currently considered 'dormant' as it has not produced recent activity. Backcountry users should continue to avoid thin and rocky start zones where triggering a deep persistent avalanche would be most likely.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Northeasterly winds moderate at ridgeline, potentially stronger than lower elevations. Freezing levels below valley bottom.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. Moderate easterly winds continue at low elevations. Freezing levels below valley bottom, alpine high of -15 °C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate southwest winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom, alpine high of -10 °C. Possible flurries.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with moderate to strong southwest winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom, alpine high of -10 °C. Flurries.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs may be found on all aspects as winds have switched from soutwest to northeast, resulting in variable loading patterns. Moderate winds at lower elevations will likely form wind slabs in unexpected terrain features. Watch for signs of wind loading on all slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 5th, 2023 4:00PM
