Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Mar 19 – 20, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate

Highlights

A widespread surface crust makes for generally safe conditions. Scale back your terrain choice as the surface snow deteriorates and weakens with daytime warming and sunny conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Persistent slab avalanches remain possible, especially later in the day as the surface snow deteriorates, and weakens from daytime warming and solar effect.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wet loose avalanche likelihood will increase throughout the day with daytime warming and sunny conditions, particularly on steep south-facing terrain.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported since the widespread avalanche cycle that took place over the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

A melt-freeze crust exists on the surface in most areas. Dry powder snow may still exist on true north-facing slopes in the alpine. Expect the crust to deteriorate, and weaken throughout the day at lower elevations and south-facing slopes.

A layer of weak, faceted crystals over a crust, or surface hoar, remains a lingering concern, buried approximately 40 to 80 cm deep.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mostly cloudy. 0 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 0 to 20 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1200 m.

Thursday

Mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Friday

Sunny. 20 to 40 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C. Freezing level 500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.

Regions covered