Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 28th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada CB, Avalanche Canada

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Avalanche hazard will increase over the day as daytime warming and solar input weaken the upper snowpack. Pay attention to changing snow conditions on solar aspects if the snow becomes moist or wet.

Isolated glide slab avalanches have been observed in the last two days. Pay attention to these unpredictable hazards and minimize your exposure to terrain below them.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, one large size 3.5, glide slab avalanche was observed midday in the Mounds slide path off Mt. Tupper. As well as isolated, wet loose natural avalanches up to size 2 from solar aspects.

On Monday, one glide slab avalanche, size 2.5 was observed.

On Saturday, a few small size 1.0 dry-loose avalanches were observed running from steep, rocky terrain features.

Snowpack Summary

Diurnal temperature swings are creating solid crusts on solar aspects in the morning. Strong solar inputs are breaking down crusts, turning the snow to moist in the afternoon. Surface hoar is growing in shaded, sheltered areas. 5-15cm of recent HST can be found on polar aspects.

The snowpack is generally strong and settled, however, the basal weakness of rounding facets/decomposing crust near the ground will remain a concern until the end of the season.

Weather Summary

High pressure ridge holds till Friday when a weak trough of low pressure takes it place.

Tonight: Clear, -5*C, light winds, Fz lvl valley bottom

Wednesday: Cloudy w/sunny periods, Alp high -1*C, light NE winds, Fz lvl 1900m

Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud, Alp High -1*C, light SW winds, Fz lvl 1900m

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
  • Use appropriate sluff management techniques.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Expect steep and rocky slopes on solar aspects to destabilize over the course of the day as warming and increased solar input weaken the upper snowpack. Rising freezing levels could trigger small, loose dry natural avalanches in steep terrain failing in the recent storm snow on polar aspects as well.

Aspects: South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 29th, 2023 4:00PM