Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 24th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Persistent Slabs.
mhalik,
Avalanche Canada
Back off of steep slopes if the snow becomes overly wet or slushy in the heat of the day.
While dry snow may remain on north-facing alpine features, weak layers may be possible to trigger there.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported. Widespread avalanche activity occurred last week during the warmer temperatures. Smaller wet avalanches may be possible during periods of sun and warming.
Whumpfing (a collapse of the buried weak layer), was reported by our field team at the Seaton area last Friday, indicating that triggering the persistent weak layer may still be possible in isolated areas.
Snowpack Summary
A thick melt-freeze crust sits on the surface in most areas, except for high north-facing alpine slopes where some soft dry snow may still exist. The surface crust may soften throughout the day at lower elevations and on steep sunny slopes. At lower elevations, the snow below the crust is likely moist or wet to ground.
A weak layer of surface hoar is developing on the surface in shady areas at treeline and above.
A layer of weak, faceted crystals overlying a crust, remains a lingering concern for human triggering at upper elevations, buried 40-80 cm deep.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Mostly clear. 15 to 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature dropping to -3 °C. Freezing level dropping to valley bottom.
Monday
Sunny with afternoon cloud. 15 km/h westerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising to 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 2 cm of new snow possible overnight. 20 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising to 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy with a trace of new snow possible. 30 to 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising to -1°C. Freezing level rising to 1400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- 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.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
Problems
Loose Wet
The potential for wet avalanches will increase throughout the day with warm and sunny conditions, particularly on steep south-facing terrain. Avoid sun affected terrain as the surface crust breaks down.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Triggering may still be possible at higher elevations, with greatest concern for north facing alpine slopes. Minimize your exposure there.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 25th, 2024 4:00PM
