Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 19th, 2023–Mar 20th, 2023
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers in isolated locations at upper elevations.

Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous size 1 wet loose avalanches triggered by solar radiation were reported on sunny aspects below treeline on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Expect to find a melt-freeze crust on the surface of all aspects at treeline and below and on sunny aspects in the alpine. Solar radiation will break down the crust on sunny slopes throughout the day.

Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers in isolated locations at upper elevations.

The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

A weak layer of large facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is of most significant concern in shallow snowpack areas in the north and east of the region. The most likely areas to trigger this layer are shallow, rocky areas or where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Clear skies / 40 km/h east ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -8 C / Freezing level valley bottom

Monday

Sunny / 30 km/h east ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -2 C / Freezing level 1700 m

Tuesday

Sunny / 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -1 C / Freezing level 1800 m

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud / 40 km/h west ridgetop wind / Temperature at treeline around -4 C / Freezing level 1500 m

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
  • A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers in isolated locations at upper elevations.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth, but large triggers such as cornice failures or smaller avalanches in motion have the potential to produce very large avalanches with surprisingly wide propagation. Suspect terrain for human triggering includes steep, shallow, and rocky terrain where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2.5 - 4