Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 9th, 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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Avalanche danger is low for the weekend due to a crust that will also make for firm, but manageable riding conditions.

Stormy weather arriving Tuesday could increase avalanche danger.

Summary

Confidence

Low

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, but are still passable at the moment. Not all parts of the forecast area have enough snow for recreating in the hills.

In some areas, high north and east facing terrain holds enough snow to ride in (around 120 cm in deep areas). The surface is a strong and thick crust left behind by recent rain and warm temperatures. There is enough give to the crust for some traction to be found.

On Tuesday, new snow and wind could form fresh cornice and wind slab at and below ridgetops.

See photos below from our field team's trip to North Arm Hills on Friday.

Weather Summary

Snowfall amounts and wind direction are uncertain on Tuesday, and this weather forecast will not be updated after Saturday afternoon, so check your updated local forecasts, and continually assess conditions as you travel.

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy. No new snow expected. 30-40 km/h northeast wind. Alpine high around -2 °C.

Sunday

Mostly sunny. No new snow expected. Calm morning, wind increasing to 50-70 km/h from the southeast in the afternoon. Above freezing layer from 1000 to 1500 m.

Monday

Cloudy. No new snow expected. 70-100 km/h southeast wind. Above freezing layer from 500 to 1500 m.

Tuesday

Cloudy. 3-8 cm of snow expected. 90-120 km/h east or northeast wind. 0 °C at sea level, as cold as -3 °C around 600 m, and above freezing layer from 800 to 1500 m.

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.
  • A crust on the surface will help bind the snow together, but may make for tough travel conditions.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

This avalanche problem is very unlikely until Tuesday, when new snow and wind could form wind slabs at the top of steep slopes. Watch for signs of instability like shooting cracks, or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 12th, 2024 11:30AM

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