Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Storm Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Continue to choose low angle and supported terrain features.
Watch for strong sunshine, even brief periods can rapidly increase avalanche danger and produce natural avalanches.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Remotely triggered avalanches continue, to size 2, failing on the buried facet layer up to 80 cm deep in recent reports.
A recent natural cycle was observed to size 3 at alpine and treeline elevations, where wind or sun was a possible trigger. We expect human triggering remains likely.
Check out this MIN for an overview of conditions, including a good reminder on treewells. Thanks to all for sharing your observations and learnables!
Snowpack Summary
Storm totals of 40-80 cm are beginning to settle, with wind effect in exposed, high terrain.
Multiple weak layers exist in the mid snowpack. The most concerning layer is found down 40 to 100 cm with a layer of facets (or in isolated areas, preserved surface hoar) above a crust. This layer is likely most concerning at treeline.
This layer continues to show sensitivity to human triggers, and will take time to begin to settle and bond.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy with flurries, 5 cm in most terrain, higher in localised areas. 10-20km/hr easterly winds. Freezing levels fall to valley bottom.
Monday
Cloudy with possible sunny periods and isolated flurries. Light and variable winds switch to 20 km/hr westerlies in the afternoon. Treeline temperature -11 °C. Freezing levels at valley bottom.
Tuesday
Mostly clear skies. 20-40 km/hr northwest winds. Treeline temperature -10 °C. Freezing levels at valley bottom.
Wednesday
Mostly clear skies. 10-20 km/hr northwest winds. Treeline temperature -10 °C. Freezing levels at valley bottom.
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.
- Keep in mind that human triggering potential persists as natural avalanching tapers off.
- Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Buried weak layers are most concerning at treeline elevations. Small avalanches may step down to this layer resulting in very large, destructive avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
Larger and more reactive slabs sit on north and east facing slopes near ridges. Continue to minimize your exposure to avalanche terrain and watch for signs of instability.
Danger will rise quickly if the sun appears.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 4th, 2024 4:00PM
