Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 21st, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs.
ejones,
Avalanche Canada
Cool temperatures decrease hazard. If a thick crust is present, large slab avalanches are unlikely.
Back off if you find moist or wet surface snow; large slab avalanches remain triggerable.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, a size 2 natural persistent slab avalanche was reported on a south-facing slope at treeline. The widespread natural avalanche cycle up to size 3 continued while temperatures were warm through Monday.
Looking ahead, in areas where you find a thick surface crust, avalanche activity is unlikely.
Snowpack Summary
Above 1000 m, about 10 cm of new snow will likely overlie a firm crust. Expect a thick, supportive melt-freeze crust on the surface at low elevations.
Two layers of surface hoar and sun crust can be found in the top meter of the snowpack.
A thick and hard widespread crust, formed in early February, is buried about 70 to 130 cm deep. This crust has a layer of facets above it in many areas.
The snowpack below this crust is generally not concerning except in shallow alpine terrain.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Becoming clear. 20 km/h northwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -12 °C.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 15 km/h north ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -8 °C.
Saturday
Sunny. 20 km/h north ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -5 °C.
Sunday
Sunny. 15 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- Avoid exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Two weak layers exist in the upper snowpack. One is down 40 cm and another down 70 to 130 cm. These layers could be reactive to human triggering in areas where the surface has not refrozen into a thick, supportive crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
