Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 18th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

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Wind slabs remain reactive in cross-loaded and lee-facing terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A group of skiers remote-triggered a size 2 avalanche on a wind-loaded convex roll in the Wheaton area. Check out the associated MIN here.

Several small (size 1), loose wet avalanches were reported over the weekend at lower elevations and on south-facing terrain.

If you go into the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Gradually dropping temperatures have likely created a surface crust up to roughly 1500 m.

At higher elevations recent snow has been redistributed by generally south winds. Deeper deposits of wind slabs can be found in leeward terrain.

In some areas, a weak layer of facets or surface hoar may persist, down approximately 50 to 80 cm from the surface.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy. 0 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud. 0 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. 0 to 20 northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent southerly winds have formed wind slabs on leeward terrain. These slabs will likely rest atop old firm surfaces.

Be particularly cautious around corniced ridges, cross-loaded features, and convex rollovers.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 19th, 2024 4:00PM