Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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Warm temperatures and sunshine continue to create slushy surface snow and potential for heavy, wet avalanches.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Small loose wet avalanche activity was reported on Friday and Saturday. We are still awaiting observations but expect that wet avalanche activity intensified during the rapid warming period on Sunday afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

Around 30 cm of recent snow is becoming moist or wet in the warm temperatures and sunshine. It is reportedly bonding well to an underlying crust. Dry and even wind affected snow may be found on shady aspects in the alpine.

At low elevations the snowpack is melting out with each day of warm weather.

Weather Summary

Sunday night

Partly cloudy. 50 to 60 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 3000 m. Treeline temperature +3 °C.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 2700 m. Treeline temperature +10 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with snowfall starting late afternoon, 5-10 cm. 50 to 60 km/h southwest winds. Freezing level 2500 m. Treeline temperature +8 °C.

Wednesday

Overnight freezing level drops below 1000 m. 15 to 25 cm of new snow overnight, then flurries bringing around 10 cm through the day. 30 to 40 km/h southwest wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
  • The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Potential for wet avalanche activity (slab and loose) increases as temperatures rise, but concern is greatest on steep, sun affected slopes. Avalanches may initiate easily on the smooth crust below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2024 4:00PM