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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 3rd, 2023–Mar 4th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

North Rockies, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Tumbler.

Watch for wind loading on all aspects and elevations as winds shift. Recent storm snow may rapidly form reactive slabs in unexpected terrain features.

Be aware that reactivity may increase on south facing slopes if skies clear.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region on Thursday but observations remain limited. We expect natural and human triggered avalanches to have occurred primarily in higher, wind affected elevations.

Nearby, storm slabs were naturally and skier triggered. Deep persistent avalanches were also reported in nearby regions, mainly south of Valemount in the Rockies. This layer is present in this region, but currently considered 'dormant' as it has not produced recent activity. Backcountry users should continue to avoid thin and rocky start zones where triggering a deep persistent avalanche would be most likely.

Observations are limited, please post any information or photos from your travel on the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Variable winds have redistributed storm snow into deeper deposits on many aspects. Storm totals overlie faceted (sugary and weak), heavily wind affected snow from previous cold temperatures and north winds, now roughly 20-60 cm deep. This interface remains slow to bond and gain strength.

The middle of the snowpack is generally strong.

A weak layer of large and weak facets is found near the base of the snowpack. The layer is currently considered dormant. Riders should continue to avoid thin, rocky terrain where it may be possible to trigger this layer.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Cloudy with easing flurries bringing up to 3 cm overnight. Light southeast winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud. Moderate easterly winds, potentially gusting strong at lower elevations with the arctic influence. Freezing levels below valley bottom, alpine high of -10 °C. Possible flurries

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud. Light to moderate east winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom, alpine high of -15 °C. Possible flurries

Monday

Mostly cloudy. Moderate southerly winds. Freezing levels below valley bottom, alpine high of -12 °C. Light snowfall possible.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.