Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Persistent Slabs.

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Lizard-Flathead, South Rockies, Akamina, Flathead, Lizard, Bull, Crowsnest North, Crowsnest South, Elkford East, Elkford West.

Triggering large avalanches is a serious concern as illustrated in this PHOTO BLOG.

Stick to low-angle slopes, avoid overhead hazards, and choose smaller objectives.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous large to very large slab avalanches were triggered naturally and by explosives across the region over the past few days (size 2 to 3.5). Avalanches are failing in both storm snow layers and on a deeply buried persistent weak layer of crust/facets.

This persistent slab problem should dominate terrain choices, don't count on surface clues of instability.

Snowpack Summary

Surface conditions currently include settling powder, sun crusts, and some wind-affected snow in higher open areas.

A widespread crust is buried 75 to 150 cm deep, and weak facets above this crust have been producing large avalanches throughout the Rockies.

The snow below the crust is mostly strong and bonded.

Weather Summary

Thursday Night

Clear skies. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.

Friday

Mostly sunny. 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Saturday

Sunny with increasing clouds in the afternoon. 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C with freezing level climbing to 2000 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Conservative terrain selection is critical, choose only well supported, low consequence lines.
Avoid being on or under sun exposed slopes.
Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
Cornice failures could trigger very large and destructive avalanches.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Large, high-consequence avalanches are possible due to a weak layer of faceted grains above a crust (75 to 150 cm deep).

Steep open slopes at treeline and alpine elevations are highly suspect.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2024 4:00PM