Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 21st, 2024 1:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
matt,
Avalanche Canada
It appears the new snow is bonding well with the early spring crust. Good skiing can be had, but limit exposure to overhead hazards until we get a better handle on overall conditions.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A few loose dry avalanches were noted. All involved storm snow only.
Snowpack Summary
20-40cm of new snow has fallen with higher accumulations near the divide and the southern Spray. The sun did try to make the odd appearance today which immediately softened the snow and promoted settlement. Like two peas in a pod, the Mar 20th crust seems to be bonding well with the new snow. It feels like the heat is still being released from the snowpack as the new snow is falling. A very different scenario from the last crust experience we endured. It was hard to tell for sure today, but its safe to assume there are fresh alpine windslabs at higher elevations.
Weather Summary
Flurries will continue overnight and give a few more centimeters of fresh snow. As the snow fades, the temperatures will fall to -12 by 8am. Daytime high will be -3. Skies may temporarily clear in the late afternoon. Winds will be light for most of the day, but expect some swirling winds and snow transport near alpine ridges.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Conditions may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Variable wind directions will put slabs on all aspects, and primarily in immediate lee areas. These include settlement or storm slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
This layer is the Feb 2 crust. More prominent on polar aspects.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Facets near the base of the snowpack. Low probability/high consequence.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 23rd, 2024 3:00PM
