Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 25th, 2024 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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Human-triggered persistent slab avalanches remain a concern in areas not capped by a thick surface crust.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in the region.

If you are heading into the backcountry please consider posting your observations to the Mountain Information Network. We read every report!

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of snow overlies a thick crust capping a moist upper snowpack on all but direct north aspects above 1900 m, where the well-settled dry snow can be found.

A significant crust/facet layer is buried 60 to 170 cm deep. Now over a week ago, this layer was reactive to human triggering and it continues to be reactive in snow pit tests. It remains a concern on northerly aspects above 1800 m, where the layer is still possible to human-trigger.

Below the crust, the snowpack is well settled.

Weather Summary

Monday night

Partly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 900 m.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. <10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

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.
  • Use caution on large alpine slopes, especially around thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilities.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Concern remains for human-triggering the persistent weak layer on sheltered north aspects above 1800 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, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3.5

Valid until: Mar 26th, 2024 4:00PM