Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 17th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Cornices and Loose Wet.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche Danger will increase as the temperature rises through the day and the sun impacts slopes facing the sun.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Several large (size 2) natural slab avalanches were reported near Fernie on Thursday. The group observed the avalanches release when the sun hit open alpine slopes.
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
20-40 cm of dense, wind-affected storm snow falling earlier in the week in the alpine tapers to a rain crust below 1400 m. This storm snow may sit on a sun crust on solar slopes and small surface hoar in sheltered, shaded areas.
The mid-snowpack is generally well-settled. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Mainly clear. Treeline temperature -9 °C. Wind light southwest. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Saturday
Mainly sunny with cloudy periods. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Wind light southwest. Freezing level rising to1800-2000m.
Sunday
Mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Wind light southwest. Freezing level rising to 2000m.
Monday
Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Wind light east. Freezing level 1400m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Southwest winds have redistributed snow from earlier in the week to build wind slabs in alpine and treeline lees.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
The full impact of the march sun may weaken cornices.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Steep rocky terrain facing the sun is likely to see thin loose wet avalanches release during the heat of the day.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 18th, 2023 4:00PM
