Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Dry and Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada JH, Avalanche Canada

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New snow will not bond well to previous surfaces of solar crusts and well settled powder from the recent high pressure. Expect reactivity as you enter your line, ski one at a time in steeper terrain, and be aware of what/who is below you.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported on Friday.

On Thursday, there were a few loose wet avalanches, up to size 2, from steep terrain in the highway corridor.

There were a few isolated glide slab avalanches this week from steep south facing terrain of Mount Tupper. A size 3 from Tupper Minor on Wednesday, a size 3.5 from Mounds on Tuesday, and a size 2.5 from Lone Pine on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Incoming new snow is covering a solid crusts on solar aspects, and 5-10cm of settled old powder on polar aspects.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong. However, the basal weakness of rounding facets/decomposing crust can be found near the ground in many locations, and will remain worthy of consideration until the end of the season.

Weather Summary

A weakening cold front moving inland will bring snow flurries to Rogers Pass overnight, the "storm" will peak early Saturday morning.

Tonight: Flurries (5-10cm). Alpine Low -8°C. Freezing level(FZL) 1100m. Moderate SW ridgetop winds.

Saturday: Cloudy with isolated flurries. High -7°C. FZL 1200m. Moderate W wind.

Sunday: Flurries (10cm). Low -11°C, High -8°C. FZL 1100m. Light W wind.

Monday: Sunny periods/isolated flurries. Low -11°C, High -6°C. Light wind. FZL 1400m.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.
  • Even a small avalanche can be harmful if it pushes you into an obstacle or a terrain trap.

Problems

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Expect loose snow avalanches in steep terrain - these could gain sufficient mass to take you for a ride in confined terrain such as gullies.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

New snow and wind will build fresh thin slabs in open terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2023 4:00PM