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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 19th, 2014–Apr 20th, 2014
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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Cariboos.

Avalanche danger can quickly rise above what is forecast with warming temperatures and/or brief periods of sun. Be aware of changing conditions and overhead hazards.For more insight into spring danger ratings, check out our Blog Post.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: A weak ridge of high pressure will develop over the interior of the province Sunday.  Convective flurries may be possible.  The ridge shifts eastward as the next system moves in over the region Monday night.Tonight and Sunday: Light precipitation overnight (up to 5cm) then clearing /  Moderate then light westerly winds  / Freezing levels 2000mMonday: Partly cloudy with a chance of flurries /  Moderate southwesterly winds / Freezing levels up to 2200m Tuesday: Flurries (5-10 cm) / Light southerly winds /  / Freezing levels between 1500 and 2200m

Avalanche Summary

At lower elevations and on solar aspects small to large loose wet avalanche continue to be triggered on steep slopes.  Cornices collapses have been reported during periods of daytime warming.  Occasionally these heavy triggers have caused large deep slab avalanches on the slopes below.

Snowpack Summary

10 to  25 cm of recent storms snow is rapidly settling and appears to be bonding well to a supportive crust that can be found on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north-facing terrain.  Soft winds slabs may be found in the immediate lee of ridges and ribs.  A second melt-freeze crust buried at the beginning of April can be found down 40-55cm. This layer has been variably reactive in snowpack tests.Three persistent weak layers exist in the snowpack of the region: The mid-March sun crust/surface hoar layer down 50-80cm and the early-March crust/facet/surface hoar layer down around 80-120cm seem to be inactive. The mid-February crust/facet/surface hoar combo is typically down 150 - 200cm. Human triggered avalanches on this layer are unlikely.  Larger triggers such as cornice fall, a smaller avalanche in motion or prolonged warming could wake this layer up, resulting in very large and destructive avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Expect to see an increase in avalanche activity at lower elevations or on solar aspects if the sun comes out for extended periods of time.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs  immediately lee of ridge crest may be sensitive to human triggering.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Be aware of the potential for very large, deep and destructive avalanches due to the presence of deeply buried persistent weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 4 - 7