Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 23rd, 2024 11:30AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

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Rain will cause wet avalanches on Sunday and then a surface crust will form on Monday.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Wind slabs formed over the past few days, but by Sunday morning the main problem will become wet loose avalanches caused by rain falling on dry snow.

Snowpack Summary

Wet surfaces are expected with Sunday's rain, which will form a rain crust when temperatures cool on Monday.

20 to 50 cm of recent snow sits above a widespread crust layer. Strong southerly winds have scoured windward slopes and formed deeper deposits on lee terrain features.

Many parts of the region have low snow coverage and lower elevation terrain is likely thin and rocky.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Storm approaching with 3 to 8 cm of snow. 40 km/h south wind. Mountain temperatures -5 °C.

Sunday

Snow switching to freezing rain and then rain in the morning with up to 30 mm in the south and 10 mm in the north. 100 km/h south wind. Mountain temperatures reach +4 °C as freezing levels climb to 2000 m.

Monday

Mix of sun and cloud. 20 km/h northwest wind. Mountain temperatures drop to -8 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud. 20 km/h northeast wind. Mountain temperatures -3 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from rain.
  • Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
  • Avoid steep convex slopes.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

On Sunday, rain will cause wet avalanches in steep terrain. Mostly small loose avalanches are expected, but some larger wet avalanches are possible.

On Monday, a surface crust will form and stabilize the snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2024 11:30AM