Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2024 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mhalik, Avalanche Canada

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Minimize your exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

The current stormy weather is expected to elevate the avalanche danger, increasing the likelihood of human-triggered avalanches.

If you visit the backcountry, please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

20 to 30 cm of new snow is expected to accumulate at upper elevations by the end of the day Thursday.

Strong southerly winds are expected to build thicker and more reactive wind slabs on lee northerly slopes near ridgetops.

The storm snow sits on a widespread thick and supportive crust formed during last week's warm sunny weather.

Wet surface snow or an isothermal snowpack may be found below the rain/snow line, which is expected to rise from 900 to 1200 m throughout the day.

The mid and lower snowpack is generally settled and strong, with no concerns at this time.

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of new snow possible. 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature drops to around -3 °C. Freezing level drops to around 900 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of new snow possible. 50 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1200 m.

Friday

Cloudy with 0 to 4 cm of new snow/light rain. 20 to 30 km/h variable ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 0 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m.

Saturday

Sunny. 25 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around 1 °C. Freezing level rising to around 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New storm snow is expected to build up cornices and form reactive wind slabs on lee slopes near ridgetop.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2024 4:00PM