Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 20th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeWhile conditions are gradually improving with cooling temperatures, very large persistent slab avalanches may remain triggerable in areas not capped by a thick surface crust.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A natural avalanche cycle that continued into Tuesday saw numerous loose wet avalanches up to size 3 (very large) as well as cornice failures up to size 2, on sunny aspects at all elevations.
Snowpack Summary
A skiff of new snow now sits over predominantly crusty surfaces. Dry snow may be found on high north aspects in the alpine, and moist surfaces may persist at low elevations.
A weak layer of surface hoar is buried 40-60 cm deep in isolated, sheltered areas. A widespread crust with sugary facets above is buried 80-200 cm deep. Both of these layers remain primary concerns for triggering large persistent slab avalanches.
Weather Summary
Wednesday night
Increasing cloud, flurries starting, up to 5 cm. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1900 m.
Saturday
Cloudy with isolated flurries, around 5 cm of snow. 20 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- If triggered loose wet avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
A crust with weak facets above is buried 80 to 200 cm deep. Steep or convex terrain features with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack at treeline and above are the most likely places to trigger this layer.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
If triggered loose wet avalanches may step down to deeper layers, resulting in very large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 21st, 2024 4:00PM