Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 6th, 2023 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada MH, Avalanche Canada

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Sunny skies and decent snow quality is making for memorable days in the mountains. The hazard may have dropped slightly, but triggering a large avalanche remains possible.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On the highway corridor, several natural avalanches occurred Sunday evening, size 2-3.0 on steep South aspects.

A suspected skier triggered sz 2.0 in Lone Pine on Sunday. No perceived involvement.

Snowpack Summary

A crust has likely formed on steep solar aspects. Wind slab exists in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line. 40-60cm of settled snow overlies a layer of decomposing stellars (large new snow crystals), a crust on solar aspects, or a thin layer of facets.

The snowpack is generally strong, however the deep persistent weakness of rounding facets and a decomposed crust remains at the bottom of the snowpack.

Weather Summary

Tuesday will have a mix of sun and cloud with a chance of isolated flurries. Alpine temps will range from -8 to -15 with a freezing level of 1100m. Ridgetop winds will be light from the South.

Similar weather for the remainder of the week.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Be carefull with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
  • Cornices become weak with daytime heating or solar exposure.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The moderate winds have redistributed the recent storm snow and have formed slabs in some locations. As you transition into tree line and the alpine, be mindful of changing conditions and signs of instability like cracking, whumpfing or a hollow feeling below your feet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 7th, 2023 4:00PM