Avalanche forecast

North Rockies

Mar 10 – 11, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate

Highlights

Choose conservative, low consequence terrain.

Wind slabs have the potential to step down to the persistent slab and remote triggering is still a concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Wind slabs will be largest and most reactive on north and east aspects but could be found on all exposed terrain.

    These avalanches have the potential to step down to the early February layer.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    A weak layer of facets rests above a hard-melt freeze crust that formed early February. This layer remains in the depth for human triggering.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity has been tapering off for the past few days. Generally only small rider and remotely triggered avalanches have been reported.  Despite this trend we remain concerned about the early February crust/facet layer and expect it to remain rider triggerable.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is being redistributed by ongoing southerly winds, leaving widespread wind-affected surfaces in exposed terrain. Numerous sun crusts exist on steep south facing slopes. The snow surface will likely become moist at low elevations.

A thick and hard widespread crust that formed in early February is buried about 50 to 110 cm deep. This crust has a layer of facets above it in many areas.

The eastern portion of this region is much shallower with a highly variable and wind-affected snowpack.

Weather Summary

Sunday Night

A mix of clear skies and cloud with 1 to 3 cm of new snow. 20 to 40 km/h south alpine wind. Treeline temperature -2°C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with up to 5 cm of new snow. 15 to 35 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -1°C.

Tuesday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of  new snow. 10 to 30 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -1°C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud with 5 cm of new snow. 25 to 40 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -4°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Conservative terrain selection is critical, choose only well supported, low consequence lines.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Choose conservative terrain and watch for clues of instability.
  • Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
  • Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.

Regions covered