Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada shorton, Avalanche Canada

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Human-triggered persistent slab avalanches remain a concern on north-facing alpine slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

One small (size 1) wind slab avalanche was human-triggered on Tuesday.

While there has been minimal avalanche activity over the past week, professionals in the region are still weary of the persistent slab problem.

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of snow has accumulated over a widespread crust, resulting in a mix of soft and hard surfaces.

A significant crust/facet layer is buried 80 to 150 cm deep. It was very reactive to human triggering during the first half of March and still produces concerning snowpack test results. It has become a low-probability high-consequence problem on northerly aspects above 2000 m.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 1 to 2 cm of snow. 15 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 5 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Saturday

Mostly sunny. 15 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Use caution on large alpine slopes, especially around thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilities.
  • Conditions may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Concern remains for human-triggering a persistent weak layer on sheltered north aspects above 2000 m. If triggered, avalanches will be large and destructive. Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2024 4:00PM

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