Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 16th, 2024 11:30AM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada bchristie, Avalanche Canada

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Finding snow to ride in is a bit of a journey right now, but there is still wintery fun to be had!

Continue to practice safe backcountry travel habits, and watch for wind slabs forming on Monday.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

If you are getting out in the hills, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo or two.

Snowpack Summary

Approaches to mountain terrain are getting thin on snow, but are passable in some places. Not all parts of the forecast area have enough snow for recreating in the hills, and in lots of places you will have to walk on rock to find the goods.

Some high elevation terrain holds enough snow to ride in. The surface is a strong and thick crust, with some slightly softer snow from the last week on southwest faces. There is enough give to the crust for some traction to be found.

Depending on the amount of snow on Monday, you may find some fresh wind slabs forming on west through north aspects.

If you make the effort to get out, there is still some winter fun to be had:)

See photos below from our field team's trips this week.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Cloudy. Very light snow expected. 15-20 km/h southwest wind. Alpine low around -7 °C. Freezing level falls to sea level.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. Light snow expected, 4 cm at most above 250 m, likely only south of Corner Brook. 20-35 km/h south wind. Alpine high around -3 °C.

Monday

Cloudy. Light snow expected, as much as 10 cm on the eastern side of the northern peninsula, but probably way less making it into the main riding areas. 70 km/h southeast wind, gusts to 90 km/h in some areas. Alpine temperature around -5 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy. Light snow continues overnight (3 cm at most), stopping through the day. 30-50 km/h wind, easing through the day. Alpine temperature around -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

MONDAY: If enough snow makes it to the west side of the northern peninsula, the wind may form it into small, reactive wind slabs over a hard surface. Watch for blowing snow, and  signs of instability like shooting cracks, or recent avalanches

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 19th, 2024 11:30AM