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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 10th, 2023–Mar 11th, 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.

Strong easterly winds have formed fresh wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.

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

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

A couple small (size 1) naturally triggered wind slabs on steep north aspects in the alpine were reported on Thursday.

A notable very large avalanche triggered by a cornice fall was reported in the pine pass area last weekend. See MIN.

Snowpack Summary

Strong northeast wind forming fresh wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.

Thin sun crust can be found a steep, sunny slopes. Soft snow can be found in areas sheltered from wind and sun.

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

Friday Night

Partly cloudy / Strong east ridgetop wind / Low temperature at treeline around -22 C

Saturday

Mostly cloudy / Moderate southeast ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -13 C

Sunday

Mostly cloudy / Moderate south ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -9 C

Monday

Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-5 cm / Strong southeast ridgetop wind / High temperature at treeline around -7 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

Strong easterly winds have formed fresh wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.

Aspects: North, South, South West, West, 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