Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 14th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.
swerner,
Avalanche Canada
Storm slabs may be reactive to human triggering, especially on wind-loaded northeast slopes. The March sun packs a punch and can quickly destabilize the snowpack on solar slopes.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, no new natural avalanches were reported. Numerous explosive-controlled cornice drops and storm slabs were initiated up to size 2.
On Sunday, in the Spearhead Range, a skier-triggered wind slab (size 1.5) caught and buried a skier to their knees. This occurred on a southwest aspect at 1800 m. The depth of the crown was 20-80 cm and 20 m wide. This skier was extracted by Whistler SAR with minor injuries.
Natural avalanche activity may occur throughout the week with rising freezing levels and solar radiation.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 35 cm of recent storm snow may have been transported by southerly winds in the alpine and at treeline. In sheltered areas, this new snow sits on top of two distinct surfaces. On solar aspects, a crust can be expected and on polar aspects, facets may be found. The recent storm snow may have a poor bond to the underlying surfaces.
Large cornices loom over ridgelines. These may become weak during periods of intense solar radiation.
A couple of crusts with facets sitting above them can be found at treeline and above down 80 to 180 cm.
The remainder of the mid and lower snowpack is well-settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Cloudy, 3-5 cm of new snow. Alpine temperatures near -11. Winds southwest 30 to 45 km/h, with freezing level at valley bottom.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -9. Winds southwest light to 40 km/hr gusts. Freezing level 1000 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -5. Wind light from the southeast. Freezing level 1500 m.
Friday
A mix of sun and cloud. Winds 10-20 km/hr from the southeast. Alpine temperatures near -3 with freezing levels 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Look for signs of instability: whumphing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Up to 40 cm of new snow and strong south wind have formed reactive storm slabs at all elevations. These slabs may have a poor bond to the underlying crust.
Moderate to strong southwest winds may have formed new wind slabs on lee slopes at treeline and above.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Aspects: South East, South, South West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 15th, 2023 4:00PM
