Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 30th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Wind Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Avoid exposure to sunny slopes, especially as temperatures spike in the afternoon.
The search for dry snow may draw you to high, north-facing slopes - watch for reactivity near ridgelines.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Natural and rider triggered slabs were reported in alpine and treeline features primarily near ridges (see photos below), and wet avalanches were observed on sun affected slopes and low elevations.
We expect activity to increase on these specific features, as higher temperatures and strong sun weaken the snowpack. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered are likely. Check out the full definition of considerable danger here.
Snowpack Summary
Around 30 cm of dry snow can likely still be found on high north facing slopes with deeper deposits near ridgelines.
All other aspects and elevations are expected to become moist or wet with rising temperatures and strong sunshine. A widespread crust exists in all terrain below 2000 m, buried below the recent storm snow (30 cm deep) which is an ideal bed surface for avalanche activity.
The facet/crust layer that produced large avalanches during early March is buried 150-250 cm deep, and is now considered unreactive.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Mostly clear skies. 20-40 km/h northerly ridgetop wind. Freezing levels remain around 1200 m overnight.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. Northwest ridgetop winds ease over the day from around 50 km/h to 30 km/h. Freezing levels rise rapidly to 3000 m, raising treeline temperatures to +10 °C.
Monday
Freezing levels remain around 2500 m overnight and throughout Monday. 40-60 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +10 °C.
Tuesday
Freezing levels remain around 2500 m overnight and drop to 1700 m by afernoon. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +7 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
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
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Watch for reactivity near ridgelines, or midslope rollovers - recent snow sits over a crust. Rising temperatures may increase reactivity or possibly trigger natural avalanches.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 31st, 2024 4:00PM
