Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 19th, 2024 8:00AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada BM, Avalanche Canada

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After several days of high freezing levels, temperatures are finally forecast to drop with new snow and a return to winter. As the snow comes in on Thursday, pay attention to how this snow bonds to the new crust.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural wet loose avalanches have been observed on all aspects at all elevations this week.

Snowpack Summary

Previous moist snow all elevations, all aspects, beginning to refreeze with cooler temperatures. The Feb 3rd crust/facet persistent weak layer is buried 60-120 cm deep. Below this, the snowpack consists of a mixture of settled snow and crust/facet layers to ground. Snowpack depths between 80 - 250 cm.

Weather Summary

Tues

Cloud increasing over the day, light winds with freezing level lowering to 2100 m. Alpine high of +5°C.

Wed

Flurries through the day with light winds. Freezing level lowering to 1400 m.

Thurs

Snowing with up to 20 cm accumulation by the end of the day. Freezing level valley bottom.

For more info: Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
  • Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

As new snow falls on Thursday, expect a building storm slab problem.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

As a new surface crust forms with dropping temperatures, this layer will become less triggerable.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Tuesday will likely be the last day of reactivity for this problem as temperatures are forecast to cool from Wednesday onwards.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 21st, 2024 4:00PM

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