Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 7th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
PW,
Avalanche Canada
The deep persistent problems in this region are not going away anytime soon. Choose terrain wisely and avoid overhead hazard, especially if the sun comes out in the afternoon.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported or observed in this region on Sunday and Tuesday. Further to the east, in thinner snowpack areas, continued avalanche activity has occurred, keeping us suspect of all thin snowpack areas.
Snowpack Summary
Many alpine and exposed regions at treeline are wind effected with recent wind slabs that are slowly becoming less reactive. Steep solar slopes at treeline and below have a thin sun crust. The various Jan PWL interfaces of sun crusts, facets, and surface hoar are down 50-90 cm. The weaker Nov 16 basal facet layer is down 120-180 cm and is still present but not consistently reactive in test pits.
Weather Summary
A mix of sun and cloud is expected for tomorrow. An easterly flow will bring light flurries to the Park with minimal accumulation. Alpine highs between -10/-15, with valley bottom temps as high as -5. Light winds are expected to increase slightly through the afternoon. While the air temps are cool, the sun still can pack a punch in the afternoon.
The next pulse of snow is expected to arrive for the weekend.
For a more detailed weather forecast, click here.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Weak facets and depth hoar are still present at the bottom of the snowpack which inspires little confidence. Be especially cautious in thin snowpack areas, which are likely areas for triggering. Cornices may also trigger this layer, especially if the sun is out in the afternoon.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Three persistent weak layers formed in January are down 50-90 cm. The biggest concern is triggering these buried suncrusts on steep solar slopes, but weaker facets and isolated surface hoar can be found on the same interface on shaded aspects.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Windslabs from last weeks storm have been buried by low density snow and are gradually becoming less reactive.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 8th, 2023 4:00PM
