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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 12th, 2023–Mar 13th, 2023
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Tumbler.

New snow and moderate southwest wind may form reactive wind slabs at treeline and above.

Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A few small (size 1.5) naturally triggered wind slabs on steep southwest aspects in the alpine were reported on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Forecast snow and southwest wind is expected to form fresh wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.

Below the new snow, is generally hard surfaces from extensive wind effect or a thin sun crust on steep, sunny slopes.

The middle of the snowpack is generally well settled and strong.

A weak layer of large and weak facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is of greatest concern in shallow snowpack areas in the north and east of the region.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries; 3-5 cm / Light southeast ridgetop wind / Low temperature at treeline around -16 C

Monday

Snow; 5-15 cm / Moderate southwest ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -8 C

Tuesday

Mix of sun and cloud / Light west ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -4 C

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm / Moderate southwest ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -3 C

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.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
  • Sheltered low elevation terrain will likely offer the best and safest riding today.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and moderate southwest wind may form reactive wind slabs at treeline and above.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth, but large triggers such as cornice failures or smaller avalanches in motion have the potential to produce very large avalanches with surprisingly wide propagation. Suspect terrain for human triggering includes steep, shallow, and rocky terrain where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2.5 - 4