Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 20th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.
rbuhler,
Avalanche Canada
Lingering wind slabs and cornices remain the main concern. Use extra caution during the heat of the afternoon.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, several natural size 1 loose wet avalanches were observed from steep terrain on solar aspects. A solar-triggered size 1.5 slab avalanche was also reported from a steep treeline feature.
On Saturday, a few natural size 1 wet loose avalanches were observed on alpine features that received direct sun in the afternoon.
If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
The snow surface consists of a sun crust on solar aspects, small facets and surface hoar on shady and wind-sheltered slopes, and wind-affected surfaces in exposed terrain. The wind recently shifted from the southwest to the northeast so while wind slabs are generally becoming less likely, they should still be expected on all aspects in exposed terrain.
The top layer of the snowpack at higher elevations is made up of 20 to 40 cm of dense, wind-affected snow. It tapers to a rain crust below 1400 m. This Top layer of snow may sit on a sun crust on solar slopes and small surface hoar in sheltered, shaded areas.
The mid-snowpack is generally well-settled. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Clear, winds northeast 20-40 km/h, treeline low around -10 °C.
Tuesday
Sunny, winds northeast 10-20 km/h, freezing level reaching around 1800 m.
Wednesday
Sunny, winds northeast 15-30 km/h, freezing level reaching around 2000 m.
Thursday
Mainly sunny, winds southwest 15-30 km/h, freezing level reaching around 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Lingering wind slabs may still be reactive at higher elevations. Winds have recently shifted directions so wind slabs should be expected on all aspects in exposed terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices may become weak during the heat of the afternoon. Use extra caution when traveling on ridges and avoid slopes with large cornices overhead during the heat of the afternoon.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 21st, 2023 4:00PM
