Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 2nd, 2022–Apr 3rd, 2022
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Cariboos.

Moderate to strong southwest wind will build reactive wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. These slabs will be especially reactive where they overlie a crust.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Saturday night: Mix of clouds and clear periods, up to 3 cm snow, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine low -6 °C, freezing level at 1100 m.

Sunday: Cloudy, up to 4 cm snow, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine high -4 °C, freezing level at 1500 m.

Monday: Mainly cloudy, 15-20 cm snow, strong southwest wind, alpine high -4 °C, freezing level at 1500 m. 

Tuesday: Mainly cloudy, 5-10 cm snow, moderate to strong westerly wind, alpine high -6 °C, freezing level 1400 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, two large (size 2) natural wind slabs were observed as well as a failed cornice that triggered a slab on the slope below and resulted in a size 2.5 avalanche. Explosives triggered small wind slabs in the alpine and a size 2.5 storm slab.

On Thursday, several wind slabs and dry loose avalanches were reported up to size 2. They likely released on Wednesday. 

On Wednesday, no significant avalanche activity was reported. Sloughing from steep terrain was seen and older wind slabs up to size 2. 

Snowpack Summary

Above 2000 m, 15-25 cm of new snow overlies up to 30 cm of denser snow that tapers rapidly with elevation. About 50-60 cm snow sit over the mid-March interface at upper elevations.

A melt-freeze crust exists on the surface up to 2000 m and higher on solar aspects. Below the crust, the top 10-30 cm of the snowpack are moist.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong southwest wind will build fresh and reactive wind slabs. Wind slabs can be expected in leeward terrain features in the alpine and treeline. These wind slabs will be most reactive where they overlie a slick crust.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2