Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 6th, 2013 9:48AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Loose Wet and Cornices.

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: A much drier pattern is in place through Tuesday afternoon.Sunday: Freezing Level: 1700m Precip: No significant precip expected. Wind: Light, SE.Monday: Freezing Level: 1200m Precip: No significant precip expected. Wind: Light, E.Tuesday: Freezing Level: 1800m. Precip: 5/10mm – 5/20cm Wind: Light, South.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported Friday. Previously, wet-loose avalanches up to Size 2.5 were running naturally on solar aspects when the sun was out.

Snowpack Summary

At upper elevations 15-25cm of new snow is covering a crust or wet snow. In some places in the alpine and at treeline this new snow may have buried a recently formed layer of surface hoar or facets. At lower elevations (below 1700m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist. New snow combined with wind will have made large cornices even bigger.The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent. Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow combined with moderate winds have created fresh windslabs in the lee of terrain features.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Wet

With little re-freezing overnight below 1700m, loose wet avalanches will run on solar aspects if there is rain falling or even short periods of intense solar radiation. Wet slab avalanches are also possible.

Avoid travelling on slopes which are becoming wet due to rain, warm temperatures, or sun.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Cornices

New snow and wind have made large cornices even bigger. Cornices failures may act as a trigger for deeper buried weak layers.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 6

Valid until: Apr 7th, 2013 2:00PM