Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2023 11:30AM

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

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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Overnight snow and strong northerly wind have formed fresh, reactive wind slabs.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Recent observations have been limited to small pockets of old wind slab lingering on easterly aspects. Crowns and debris remain visible from last week's wind slab avalanche cycle up to size 2.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of new snow arrived overnight with strong northerly winds. The fresh snow sits over crusts and wind-hardened surfaces.

The mid snowpack is composed of mainly dense, wind affected snow with a few crust layers. The lower snowpack is dense and well bonded from warm temperatures, rainfall and subsequent refreezing.

Weather Summary

Friday night

5-10 cm of new snow. Strong northerly wind. Alpine temperature -5.

Saturday

Cloudy with a risk of freezing drizzle. Moderate northeasterly wind, easing. Alpine high -1.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud. Light northerly wind. Alpine high -2.

Monday

Mostly sunny. Light northerly wind. Alpine temperature -5.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Light variable wind. Alpine temperature -5.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

5-10 cm of new snow and strong northerly wind have formed fresh, reactive wind slabs. Wind slabs will likely be most reactive where they sit over a crust.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2023 11:30AM