Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Mar 16th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
⚠️ Continue to avoid avalanche terrain and exposure to any overhead hazard⚠️
Large and destructive natural avalanches continue.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Natural activity continued on Friday, with avalanches observed up to size 3 triggered by warming and sun. Activity included persistent slabs, loose wet and wet slabs. Avalanches occurred on all aspects but were most widespread on sun affected slopes.
Continued persistent slab activity is expected, as well as widespread loose wet avalanches and cornice failures as warming persists.
Snowpack Summary
The upper snowpack is wet from warm temperatures and strong sunshine on south facing features at all elevations. Dry snow can still be found on north facing slopes in the alpine. Over 100 cm of snow from the past week is rapidly settling with these warm temperatures. This snow is producing wet loose and slab avalanches.
A weak layer of facets and crust is buried 150 to 250 cm deep. Large naturally triggered avalanches have been observed on this layer within the last 2 days.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Clear skies. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Freezing level remains above 3000 m.
Sunday
Sunny. 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +8 °C with freezing level sustained at 3300 m.
Monday
Sunny. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +8 °C with freezing level sustained at 3300 m.
Tuesday
Sunny. 30-40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +8 °C with freezing level dropping to 2500 m in the afternoon.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.
- Cornice failure may trigger large avalanches.
- Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Very large persistent slabs have been triggered by this warm up, often running full path with wide propagation. Natural activity may begin to slow, however if triggered, avalanches are expected to be large and destructive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Continued wet loose/slab activity is expected within the surface snow as warming continues and the snowpack has little chance to refreeze overnight. Greatest concern is for sun affected slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Mar 17th, 2024 4:00PM
