Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 2nd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Storm Slabs.
trettie,
Avalanche Canada
Continue to choose conservative, low consequence terrain and beware of overhead and adjacent slopes. Remote triggering is a concern.
Solar input could weaken this already scary snowpack.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Numerous large to very large natural and human triggered persistent slab avalanches continue to be reported throughout the region. Many of the human triggered avalanches have been reported as remotely triggered (from a distance). This speaks to the sensitivity of the persistent slab.
As natural avalanche activity tapers, the snowpack will remain primed for rider-triggered avalanches.
Snowpack Summary
40 to 80 cm overlies a layer of surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain, weak facets, or a hard melt-freeze crust on south and west-facing slopes.
A thick and hard widespread crust that formed in early February is buried about 60 to 120 cm deep. This crust may have a layer of facets above it. The snowpack below this crust is generally not concerning except in shallow alpine terrain.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
A mix of cloud and clear skies with 2 cm of new snow. 10 to 25 km/h south alpine wind. Treeline temperature -17°C.
Sunday
A mix of sun and cloud with 2 cm of new snow. 5 to 20 km/h south alpine wind. Treeline temperature -10°C.
Monday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow. 10 to 25 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -12°C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow. 5 to 20 km/h northwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -14°C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Shooting cracks, whumphs and recent avalanches are strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Conservative terrain selection is critical, choose only well supported, low consequence lines.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of faceted grains above a melt-freeze crust buried 60 to 120 cm deep is a recipe for large, high-consequence avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs are likely to remain reactive to human traffic, particularly where they sit on problematic weak layers or hard surfaces. Smaller slabs may easily step down and trigger larger, more destructive avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
