Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 22nd, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada isnowsell, Avalanche Canada

Email

As new snow accumulates be sure to assess for cohesive slab formation and how it is bonding to the underlying crust.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the region.

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

New snow beginning Thursday will bury a melt-freeze crust, existing on all aspects at treeline and below. The crust extends into the alpine on solar aspects. In north-facing alpine terrain the surface snow has remained cold and dry during the recent warm, sunny weather.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and bonded.

Weather Summary

Wednesday night

Cloudy with wet flurries or rain. Treeline temperatures around 0 C. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop winds. Freezing level 800 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with snow or rain, 5 to 10 cm. Treeline temperature 0 to -5 C. Moderate south ridgetop winds. Freezing level 900 m.

Friday

Cloudy with snow, up to 10 cm overnight and another 10 cm through the day. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Moderate to strong west ridgetop winds. Freezing level 500 m.

Saturday

Cloudy with sunny periods. Treeline temperatures 0 to -5 C. Light west ridgetop winds. Freezing level 500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the old surface.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Watch for cohesive slab formation through the day in areas that receive more then just a few centimeters. New snow will bury a melt-freeze and/or surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2023 4:00PM