Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 28th, 2023–Mar 29th, 2023

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Lizard-Flathead, Akamina, Flathead, Lizard.

Direct sun and rising freezing levels could weaken the snowpack on southerly aspects.

Minimize your exposure time below cornices and approach shallow rocky areas with caution.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Solar-induced wet loose avalanches occurred Tuesday on south aspects throughout the region, as conditions were clear and sunny.

Several small avalanches were reported over the last few days near Fernie, including skier-triggered wind slabs on alpine convex rolls, natural cornice falls and loose avalanches from steep terrain.

If you head out in the backcountry, let us know what you are seeing by submitting a report to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

At upper elevations, recent snow overlies a crust on solar aspects, faceted snow and surface hoar (up to 10 mm) in shaded and wind-sheltered areas. Wind-affected surfaces are also found in exposed areas. At lower elevations, a crust exists on or near the surface.

The mid-snowpack is generally well-settled, but a lingering persistent weak layer has shown some signs of reactivity near Leach Ridge a few days ago. The lower snowpack includes a layer of weak sugary crystals near the ground. This layer has not produced recent avalanche activity. Professionals are still tracking it to watch for signs of it waking up.

Weather Summary

The region will be under a building ridge of high pressure, with calm and dry conditions for the next few days.

Tuesday night

Clear with cloudy periods. Low alpine temperatures of -9 °C. Light easterly ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.

Wednesday

Generally sunny. High alpine temperatures of -2 °C. Light easterly ridge wind. Freezing level rises to 2000 metres.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. High alpine temperatures of -4 °C. Light westerly ridge wind gusting 30 km/h. Freezing level rises to 1700 metres.

Friday

Cloudy with sunny periods. Isolated flurries. High alpine temperatures of -3 °C. Moderate westerly ridge wind. Freezing level rises to 1800 metres.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as temperatures increase.
Watch for unstable snow on specific terrain features, especially when the snow is moist or wet.
Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.