Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Continue to choose low-angle and supported terrain features.
Watch for strong sunshine, even brief periods can rapidly increase avalanche danger and produce natural avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Observations are currently limited and conditions appear to be improving, however we expect rider triggering is still likely.
A rider triggered avalanche was reported on the MIN on Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
Storm totals of up to 90 cm are beginning to settle, with wind effect in exposed, high terrain. This sits over wind-affected surfaces and 30 to 60 cm of settling snow in sheltered areas. In some areas, sunshine has created heavy snow or a surface crust.
Multiple weak layers exist in the mid-snowpack. The first, a layer of a crust, facets and/or surface hoar is buried around 100 cm deep. The second, a widespread crust with facets above is buried around 130 cm deep. These layers will need time to adjust to the new snow load.
This layer continues to show sensitivity to human triggers, and will take time to begin to settle and bond.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy with 5 cm of snow. 20-40 km/h southwest winds. Freezing level drops to valley bottom.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20-30 km/h southwest winds. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level around 700 m.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny with some cloud. 30-50 km/h northwest winds. Treeline temperature -9 °C. Freezing levels around 500 m.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny with some cloud. 10-20 km/h northwest winds. Treeline temperature -7 °C. Freezing level around 700 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid being on or under sun exposed slopes.
- Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Larger and more reactive slabs sit on north and east facing slopes near ridges. Continue to minimize your exposure to avalanche terrain and watch for signs of instability.
Danger will rise quickly if the sun appears.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Buried weak layers are most concerning at treeline elevations. Small avalanches may step down to this layer resulting in very large, destructive avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 4th, 2024 4:00PM
