Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 15th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
⚠️ Avoid all avalanche terrain ⚠️
Natural avalanches are expected as heat continues to weaken the snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Widespread wet avalanche activity was observed on Thursday, up to size 2.5. Avalanches were only observed in the recent storm snow and not reported to have stepped down to the buried weak layers.
Check out this MIN report from Zupjok on Thursday.
Continued activity is expected - with possible persistent slabs, widespread loose wet avalanches, and cornice failures as warming persists.
Snowpack Summary
Expect to find moist or wet snow at all elevations. 30-50 cm of snow from the past week is rapidly settling over a variety of layers including a thin sun crust on south aspects.
There has been evidence of two persistent weak layers roughly 80 to 120 cm deep of facets, crust, and surface hoar. While we have not received many reports of persistent slab avalanches in this region these layers do exist here and neighbouring areas have seen recent very large avalanche activity on these buried weak layers.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Clear skies. 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Freezing levels remain above 3000 m.
Saturday
Sunny. 30km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +7 °C with freezing level steady at 3200 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 20 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +7 °C with freezing level sustained at 3300 m.
Monday
Sunny. 20 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +5 °C with freezing levels remaining above 3000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
- Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.
- Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
- If triggered loose wet avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
While we have not seen widespread evidence of this problem, it will likely become reactive with the heat and sun. If triggered, large and destructive avalanches are likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Wet avalanches (loose or slab) are expected in any avalanche terrain but most likely on steep sun-exposed slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 16th, 2024 4:00PM
