Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 7th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs.
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Avalanche Canada
Triggering large avalanches is a serious concern as illustrated in this PHOTO BLOG.
Stick to low-angle slopes, avoid overhead hazards, and choose smaller objectives.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Large and very large natural and explosive-triggered persistent slab avalanches have been reported daily over the past week (size 2 to 3.5). There have been fewer reports of human-triggered avalanches in the past few days, but all signs suggest they are still likely if travelling near steeper terrain (remote-triggered avalanches have been frequent).
The photos below show the type of terrain and typical size for these avalanches.
Snowpack Summary
Surface conditions currently include sun crusts, lightly wind-affected snow, and settling powder.
A widespread crust that formed in early February is roughly 80 to 120 cm deep. Weak faceted crystals and surface hoar above this crust are contributing to large avalanches across the province.
Additionally, the lower snowpack is mostly comprised of weak and faceted layers.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Clear skies. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Friday
Mostly sunny. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloudy with 1 to 2 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy with 1 to 4 cm of snow. 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Conservative terrain selection is critical, choose only well supported, low consequence lines.
- Avoid being on or under sun exposed slopes.
- Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
- Be aware of the potential for large, destructive avalanches due to the presence of deeply buried weak layers.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Large avalanches on a 100 cm deep facet/crust layer are a serious concern. We have seen full-path avalanches, many remote-triggered. They are becoming less likely to trigger, but uncertainty and serious consequences remain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 8th, 2024 4:00PM
