Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 28th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
AB,
Avalanche Canada
Strong solar input will continue Wednesday. Avoid exposure to sun-exposed slopes, especially late in the day. Now is the time to make the habit of starting the day early, and finishing early.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A skier trigger avalanche was reported on Mt Field Saturday. On a road patrol to Kootenay, deep slabs up to size 3 were observed on Mt Whymper and the Tumbling Peak area. These slides occurred within the last 24 hours. Solar radiation is a possible trigger.
Snowpack Summary
5-25 cm of storm snow sits over buried temperature crusts to 1500 m, sun crusts to ridgetop on solar aspects, and facets on shaded slopes. The midpack in this area has several crust and facet layers that have been unreactive recently. The base of the snowpack still consists of weaker facets. These facets are mostly a concern in thinner snowpack areas (<2 m).
Weather Summary
On Wednesday, light and variable wind, a mix of sun and cloud, and cool radiant air temps (valley high of 5 deg and alpine -10) are expected. Solar radiation could be intense, despite cool-ish radiant air temperatures.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
Continue to pay attention to the weaker basal facet layer in areas where the snowpack is shallower (<2 m) such as moraines or wind scoured areas, or in places where a large trigger like a cornice fall could impact the slope. In deeper snowpack areas of this region the basal facets are less of a concern.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Strong solar inputs and upto 25cm of recent storm snow will likely produce loose wet avalanches on Southerly aspects. Pinwheeling and melting snow near rock are good indicators that the snowpack is being affected by solar radiation.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 29th, 2023 4:00PM
