Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada ahanna, Avalanche Canada

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Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features - lingering pockets of wind slab in extreme terrain and steep sunny slopes becoming moist in the afternoon.

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

In the past few days avalanche activity has been limited to small (size 1) wet loose avalanches on steep solar aspects and a few natural cornice failures that did not trigger slabs on the slopes below.

If you head into the backcountry, consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

A crust exists on solar aspects up to 2000 m and on all aspects below 1800 m. Dry snow can still be found in the high alpine and on shady aspects between 1800-2000 m.

The middle of the snowpack is strong and contains numerous hard crusts.

The lower snowpack is composed of weak basal facets. There hasn't been avalanche activity on it recently, but it will remain on our radar this spring as it may become active with abrupt changes to the snowpack, such as rapid loading (heavy snowfall or rain) or prolonged warming.

Weather Summary

Wednesday night

Clear. Light variable wind. Alpine low -3 °C. Freezing level drops to valley bottom.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest wind. Alpine high -2 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.

Friday

5-10 cm of new snow. Moderate southwest wind. Alpine high -4 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.

Saturday

Around 5 cm of new snow overnight then clearing to a mix of sun and cloud. Light southwest wind. Alpine high -5 °C. Freezing level 900 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Warm temperatures and strong sun may create wet loose avalanches in steep south-facing terrain.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Mar 30th, 2023 4:00PM