Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 20th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada jleblanc, Avalanche Canada

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A widespread surface crust makes for generally safe conditions.

Weak overnight recovery may allow the snow to deteriorate rapidly with daytime warming.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No new recent avalanches were reported.

The widespread, natural avalanche cycle reported over the weekend appears to have ended.

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

Snowpack Summary

A melt-freeze crust exists on the surface in most areas. Dry powder snow may still exist on true north-facing slopes in the alpine. With solar warming expected, anticipate the crust to weaken throughout the day at lower elevations and south-facing slopes.

A layer of weak, faceted crystals over a crust, or surface hoar, remains a lingering concern, buried approximately 40 to 80 cm deep.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear with no precipitation. 10 to 20 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Friday

Sunny. 20 to 40 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 800 m.

Saturday

Sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7°C. Freezing level 500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Wet loose avalanche likelihood will increase throughout the day with daytime warming and sunny conditions, particularly on steep south-facing terrain.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Persistent slab avalanches remain possible, especially later in the day as the surface snow deteriorates, and weakens from daytime warming and solar effect.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Mar 21st, 2024 4:00PM

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