Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 24th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Cornices.
mhalik,
Avalanche Canada
While danger is low, continue to evaluate the snowpack as you travel and adjust your trip plan if conditions are not as forecast.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported. Small wet avalanches were observed on south-facing slopes in the heat of the day over the last week, but are unlikely with the forecast cooling conditions.
Cornice falls were observed to have triggered large avalanches last weekend and are expected to remain weak.
If you head into the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
A widespread surface crust exists up to roughly 1300 m. Daytime warming may soften this crust at lower elevations.
At higher elevations, snow has been wind affected by variable winds. Large, fragile cornices can be found on exposed ridgelines and should be given a wide berth.
Soft dry snow may still be found on north-facing alpine slopes.
In some areas, a weak layer of facets or surface hoar is buried 50-80 cm. This layer is unlikely to trigger from the weight of a rider, but concern exists with very large loads like cornice falls.
Check out this MIN for recent conditions in White Pass, and this MIN for the Haines area.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy with a trace of new snow possible. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature drops to around -3 °C. Freezing level dropping between 100 to 300 m.
Monday
Cloudy with 0 to 3 cm of new snow. 30 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rising to 1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy with a trace of new snow. 20 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1000 m.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy with a trace of new snow possible. 15 to 25 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1100 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
- Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
Problems
Cornices
Cornice falls can become weak in daytime heating. Give them a wide berth on and under ridgelines as they are hazardous on their own, and can trigger large avalanches on the slope below.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 25th, 2024 4:00PM
