Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 24th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.
ejones,
Avalanche Canada
Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
If a thick surface crust is present, large slab avalanches are unlikely.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Skiers were able to trigger small wind slabs on steep convexities throughout the region on Saturday.
On Friday, several large natural persistent slabs were reported on north aspects, south of Revelstoke. Explosive control in the North Selkirks produced large persistent slab avalanches and cornice falls, up to size 3. These avalanches are the tail end of a widespread avalanche cycle on the buried weak layer described in the snowpack summary.
Snowpack Summary
There is up to 15 cm of soft snow on shady north and east-facing slopes in some parts of the region. At ridgetops, this new snow may have been blown around creating wind slabs on lee slopes. The recent snow sits on a crust at upper elevations, and the crust is expected to be at the surface below 1500 m and on sunny south- and west-facing slopes.
Two layers of surface hoar and sun crust can be found in the top meter of the snowpack.
A widespread crust formed in early February is buried about 80 to 150 cm deep. This crust has a layer of facets above it, producing the previous large, natural avalanche cycle.Check out this great MIN for detailed info on snowpack conditions near Revelstoke.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly clear. 20 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -8 °C.
Monday
Increasing cloud. 15 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature high of 2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow in the North Columbias, and up to 20 cm of snow in the South Columbias. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature high of 2 °C. Freezing level rising to 1700 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with trace snow flurries. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature high of 1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
- 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 persistent weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: one is buried 40 cm and the other 80 to 150 cm. Avalanche occurrences on these layers are becoming more infrequent, but the potential remains for riders to trigger them.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Loose wet avalanches are most likely during the warmest part of the day when the surface snow is moist or wet. These avalanches may step down to a buried weak layer, producing larger than expected avalanches.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Variable winds have blown 10 cm of recent snow onto lee slopes, forming slabs that have been reactive to rider triggering.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 25th, 2024 4:00PM
