Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 20th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.
isnowsell,
Avalanche Canada
The upper snowpack continues to adjust to the recent spring-like weather. Watch for surface snow turning wet and be wary of cornices.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Wet-loose avalanches to size 1.5, occurring on east-to-south aspects, likely solar-induced, were reported over the weekend.
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 sun crust has formed on all aspects up to 1800 m and solar aspects at all elevations. 20 to 40 cm of dry, unconsolidated powder snow remains on the surface in northerly-facing terrain above 1800 m.
The mid-snowpack is well consolidated.
A layer of weak, sugary facets at the bottom of the snowpack continues to be a lingering concern throughout the region.
Weather Summary
Monday night
Clear with cloudy periods. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Light southeast ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 800 m.
Tuesday
Sunny. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Light southeast ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 2000 m.
Wednesday
Sunny. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Light southwest ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 2000 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud, with a chance of isolated flurries. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Light southerly ridgetop winds. Freezing levels 1600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
Problems
Loose Wet
Strong solar radiation and warm temperatures may still produce moist surface snow and a wet-loose avalanche hazard. As temperatures drop and a crust forms this problem will disappear.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A layer of weak facets sits near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most likely to be problematic in steep, wind-loaded terrain where the snowpack depth varies from thick to thin. Especially in the northern part of the region around the Chilcotins, Birkenhead, and Hurley.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 21st, 2023 4:00PM
