Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 14th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada jleblanc, Avalanche Canada

Email

Continued snowfalls will keep the danger elevated.

Avoid alpine terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow or wind.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche has been reported, but field observations are limited. Natural avalanche activity likely occurred during the storm on Thursday. If you head into the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Thursday, the region received 20-25 cm of new storm snow. Deeper deposits may be found on leeward terrain. This overlies settled snow that covers old, firm, wind-affected or crusty surfaces. In isolated areas, buried surface hoar may be found 50 to 65 cm deep. Below 1500 m, a thick melt-freeze crust is buried 50 to 100 cm deep. The mid-pack is generally strong and bridges the weak crystals at the base of the snowpack.

The average snowpack depth at treeline is around 200 cm.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries expected. 40 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -8 °C.

Friday

Cloudy with 15 to 20 cm of new snow expected. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around -1°C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.

Saturday

Partly cloudy with no precipitation. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +2 °C. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures around +1 °C. Freezing level around 1500 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.
  • Stick to non-avalanche terrain or small features with limited consequence.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Heavy snowfalls will likely create touchy slabs in steep terrain, especially on wind-loaded slopes. The new snow will require time to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Mar 15th, 2024 4:00PM