Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 21st, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet.
isnowsell,
Avalanche Canada
Pay attention to changing snow conditions with daytime warming and strong solar effect. Minimize your exposure to steep, sunny slopes and cornices overhead.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Over the weekend several wet-loose avalanches to size 2 were reported, generally occurring on steep, solar aspects.
A few natural, cornice failures were also reported in the region recently.
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
A widespread melt-freeze crust exists on all aspects below treeline and at treeline. The crust extends into the alpine on solar aspects, while the surface snow remains cool and dry on north-facing alpine slopes. Expect the melt-freeze crust to rapidly break down through the day, with warming and solar input.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well settled and bonding. At the bottom of the snowpack, a layer of weak facets remains present and continues to be monitored, however, it does not appear to be a significant concern currently.
Weather Summary
Tuesday night
Clear. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Light southerly ridgetop winds. Freezing level 700 m.
Wednesday
Sunny. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Light southerly ridgetop winds. Freezing level 1800 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with flurries, up to 10 cm. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C. Moderate southerly ridgetop winds. Freezing level 1300 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy, with trace amounts of snow. Treeline temperatures -5 to -10 C. Light southerly ridgetop winds. Freezing level 1000 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Remember that in the spring strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can weaken the snow in a matter of minutes.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Problems
Loose Wet
The likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase through the day as surface crusts breakdown and the sun destabilizes the surface snow on steep, southerly facing terrain.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2023 4:00PM
