Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 17th, 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 Cornices.
bchristie,
Avalanche Canada
⚠️ Avoid being in or under avalanche terrain ⚠️Natural avalanches continue to be likely while it's warm and sunny.
Check out our latest blog for more information.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, a widespread natural avalanche cycle up to size 3 continued, with Persistent slab avalanches being the most common. A few remote triggered avalanches were also reported.
On Friday, a few suspected machine remote avalanches were observed southeast of Revelstoke, see photo for details.
Widespread natural avalanche activity is expected to continue until the temperature drops enough for a hard surface crust to start forming.
Snowpack Summary
Moist or wet snow surfaces extend into the alpine on all aspects. The exception may be high, shaded, north-facing terrain.
In general 40 to 60 cm of recent snow is settling rapidly over sun crusts and wind-affected surfaces.
Below this, two layers of surface hoar and sun crust can be found in the top meter of the snowpack. One from late February and the other from early March.
A hard widespread crust formed in early February is buried about 80 to 150 cm deep. This crust has a layer of facets above it and continues to be reactive.
The snowpack below this crust is generally not concerning except in shallow alpine terrain.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Clear. Light west ridgetop wind. Freezing level dropping to 2500 m. Treeline low around 4 °C.
Monday
Sunny. Light west ridgetop wind. Freezing level 2500 m, 2000 m in the far north end of the forecast area. Treeline temperature around 4 °C.
Tuesday
Partly cloudy. Light south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 3 °C. Freezing level gradually dropping.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. Light snow expected above 1500 m. Up to 10 cm in some areas. Light southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -1 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain free of overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
- Avoid lingering or regrouping in runout zones.
- Cornices may release remotely when approached.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Two reactive layers exist in the upper snowpack. One is down 40 cm and the deeper one down 80 to 150 cm. We expect natural avalanches on these layers to continue while sunny, warm weather continues.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Warm temperatures will produce widespread wet loose avalanches, especially on steep slopes facing the sun. These may step-down and trigger deeper slab avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices are becoming weak with above-freezing temperatures in the alpine. Cornice failure could trigger very large destructive avalanches. Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 18th, 2024 4:00PM
