Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

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The sun will be out and the freezing level is forecast to be higher than it has been in the past few days. As a result there may be an increase in wet loose avalanche activity on steep terrain facing the sun.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday there were several reports of loose wet avalanches running to size 1.5 in steep terrain facing the sun.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow accumulated over the last week overlies a crust on all terrain except north-facing slopes treeline and above. On these high northerly slopes, new snow may overlie facets and surface hoar to mountain tops.

The mid-pack is generally well-settled.

The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary facets near the ground. These facets are slowly gaining strength and no recent avalanches have been reported on this layer. However, we continue to track the layer and watch for any signs of it becoming active.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mainly clear. Light east wind. High of -7 °C at treeline. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud. Light northeast wind. High of 2 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 2000m.

Thursday

Cloudy with sunny breaks. Light northeast wind. High of 1 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 1900m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries. Light southwest wind. High of -3 °C at treeline. Freezing level 1500m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

The sun may be out for extended periods so expect to see an increase in thin loose wet avalanche activity on steep terrain facing the sun.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 29th, 2023 4:00PM