Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 23rd, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jpercival, Avalanche Canada

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An incoming storm has the potential to deliver up to 30 cm of new storm snow that will fall on a well established melt freeze crust.

Allow time for this new snow to bond to old surfaces and carefully consider your terrain choices prior to committing to avalanche terrain, especially those areas with evidence of wind transport and loading.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported or observed in this zone over the past 48 hrs.

Backcountry users will likely see evidence of a small wet loose avalanche cycle from recent rain and solar input below treeline.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

In terrain above 1600 m up to 10 cm of preserved and wind affected dry snow is likely to exist. An established melt freeze crust can be found at elevations 1600 m and below, expect the new forecast snowfall to take a little time to bond to this old surface. At all elevations the mid and lower snowpack has a number of old melt freeze crusts that are unreactive and overall presents as consolidated, well settled and strong.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Mainly cloudy with snowfall, 15 to 25 cm of accumulation. Moderate southerly winds at ridgetop. Treeline temperature -3°C. Freezing levels 800 m.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries, 10 to 15 cm of accumulation. Moderate north winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature -3°C. Freezing levels rise to 800 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with flurries, 1 to 5 cm of accumulation. Moderate north winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature -3°C. Freezing levels rise to 800 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with no new precipitation. Moderate southeast winds at ridge top. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing levels rise to 1000 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Watch for changing conditions today, storm slabs may become increasingly reactive.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

30 cm of forecasted new snow is expected to overlie a well established melt freeze crust on all aspects, 1600m and below. Above this elevation the new snow will overlie a variety of surfaces including 5-10 cm of preserved snow as well scoured and hard pressed surfaces.

Variable light to moderate winds both south and north are likely to begin to build wind slabs in steep areas and terrain adjacent to ridgetops.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 24th, 2023 4:00PM

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