Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 30th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Continue to watch for changing conditions as you travel though different aspects and elevations.
Adjust your trip plan as necessary if you encounter active wind transport or unexpected conditions, and minimize your exposure to cornices.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Over the last three days wet loose avalanches have occurred primarily on steep south facing (sun affected slopes) at lower elevations with rising freezing levels and strong sunshine. Cloud and cooler temperatures on Friday will reduce the likelihood of wet avalanche activity.
Rider triggered wind slabs were reported near Nelson on north facing terrain features, from previous easterly winds. Warm temperatures have likely helped these slabs to settle and bond, but reactivity may remain in isolated features.
Snowpack Summary
A melt freeze crust or moist snow exists on all aspects except on north facing slopes at high elevations where new snow from last week may overlie facets and surface hoar or wind affected surfaces. Southwest winds forecast for Friday will have limited snow to transport thanks to the melt freeze crust and moist snow. In areas where dry snow is available, small pockets of wind affected snow may form.
The mid-pack is generally well-settled.
The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak facets near the ground. No recent avalanches have been reported on this layer. However, we continue to track the layer and watch for any signs of it becoming active again.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Freezing levels drop back to 500 m, with light southwest winds. Partly cloudy skies.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with flurries delivering trace amounts of snow. Light southerly wind increases over the day to 40 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1500 m, alpine temperatures of -5 °C.
Light snowfall continues overnight, around 5-10 cm.
Saturday
Cloudy with sunny periods possible in the afternoon. Snowfall continues, 10-15 cm over the day. Southwesterly wind gusting up to 60 km/h in the morning and eases back to moderate over the afternoon. Freezing level rises to 1500 m, alpine highs of -5 °C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud with flurries delivering 5 cm. Freezing levels rise to 1300 m with alpine highs of -7 °C. Light southwest winds.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
Valid until: Mar 31st, 2023 4:00PM
