Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 17th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Persistent Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Continue to minimize your exposure to avalanche terrain and avoid overhead hazard until cooler weather arrives.
Avoid sun affected slopes. Wet avalanches remain likely.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Saturday. However, observations are currently limited.
Wet avalanche activity has been observed this week up to size 2.5. Avalanches were only observed in the recent storm snow and not reported to have stepped down to the buried weak layers.
Snowpack Summary
Expect to find moist or wet snow at all elevations except the highest north facing terrain. 30-50 cm of snow from the past week is rapidly settling over a variety of layers including a thin sun crust on south aspects.
Two weak layers of surface hoar, facets and a crust exist, buried 80-120 cm deep. While these have not produced recent avalanche activity we are still concerned about the possibility of step down avalanches.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Clear skies. 20 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Freezing level remains above 3000 m.
Monday
Sunny. 20 km/h southerly ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +7 °C with freezing levels remaining above 3000 m.
Tuesday
Sunny. 20-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +4 °C with freezing levels falling to 2500 m over the day.
Tuesday
Cloudy with light snowfall. 40-50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing levels fall to 1500 m over the day.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
- Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.
- Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
- If triggered loose wet avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Problems
Loose Wet
Continued wet loose/slab activity is expected within the surface snow as warming continues and the snowpack has little chance to refreeze overnight. Greatest concern is for sun affected slopes especially near rock outcrops.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
We have had no reports of persistent slab activity since last weekend. Concern still exists for the possibility of natural avalanches on this layer with the warm temperatures and sunshine. If triggered, large avalanches are expected
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 18th, 2024 4:00PM
