Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 5th, 2025 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada Avalanche Canada, Avalanche Canada

Avoid north-facing, alpine slopes where triggering persistent weak layers is most likely.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, near Kamloops, a natural size 2 glide slab avalanche was reported on a southwest-facing slope at 1500 m.

On Saturday, a rider triggered size 2, persistent slab avalanche was reported. This avalanche occurred on a west facing slope at 2000 m. See MIN for details.

Snowpack Summary

5 to 15 cm of snow covers a melt-freeze crust. The crust exists on all aspects, except possibly high-elevation north-facing slopes. This overlies 30 to 60 cm of snow that sits above a crust in many areas, or surface hoar/facets in wind-sheltered areas.

A weak layer, buried in late January, consists of surface hoar/facets or a crust is found down 50 to 90 cm. This remains a lingering concern. Below this, the mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and strong.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level reaching 1600 m.

Friday

A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1600 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
  • Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of crust and/or facets is buried 30 to 60 cm deep. Recent avalanches on this layer suggest it remains a concern, especially on northerly slopes where a melt-freeze crust is absent beneath the new snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

New snow and wind may have built slabs on lee features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

If the sun comes out, it may trigger wet loose avalanches from steep slopes facing the sun.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2025 4:00PM

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