Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 3rd, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Weak layers exist in the snowpack, and conditions are primed for human triggering.
Wind-loaded slopes at ridgecrest will be the most likely place to trigger an avalanche.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Friday, a natural wind slab was observed in a zone called the Onion. This released on a north aspect at 1650 m.
Wind-loaded slopes at upper elevations are most suspect and may be primed for human-triggering.
Snowpack Summary
Wind-transported snow has likely built deeper slabs on northerly aspects at upper elevations. South-facing slopes have formed a crust and lower elevation snow may be crusty as freezing levels fall.
The upper metre of the snowpack is complicated. This snow sits above several significant weak layers that formed during the January and February dry spells. These include facets, surface hoar (in sheltered terrain), and crust on solar aspects.
A layer of facets on top of a crust from early December is buried 100 to 200 cm deep. This layer is generally not a concern in this region.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level dropping to valley bottom overnight.
Tuesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 20 to 30 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h west wind. Treeline temperatures -1. Freezing level 1200 m.
Thursday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 25 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperatures 0. Freezing level 1400 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded features, especially near ridge crests, rollovers, and in steep terrain.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Reactive weak layers from January and February exist in the upper 80 cm of the snowpack. New snow, wind, sun, and warming could all add stress to these layers, and human triggering remains a concern.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Fresh and reactive wind slabs are likely. Wind slabs will be the most sensitive where they overlie facets.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 4th, 2025 4:00PM
