Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 18th, 2022–Apr 19th, 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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Cariboos.

Be mindful of reactive slabs forming with new snow, the deepest deposits will be in areas loaded by wind. Bump the hazard to Considerable if you find more than 20 cm fresh snow in your riding area.

Confidence

High - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries, 5-10 cm. Treeline low -8 C. Increasing southeast wind, 25-40 km/h.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with snow and wet flurries above 1600 m, 5-10 cm. Treeline temperatures rising to -3 C. 25-50 km/h wind from the northwest. 

WEDNESDAY: Partially cloudy. Treeline temperatures rising to -2 C. Light wind from the southeast. 

THURSDAY: Partially cloudy, isolated flurries. Treeline temperatures rising to -1 C. Light winds from the southeast. 

Avalanche Summary

Reports over the last week documented large cornice falls in alpine terrain, some of which have triggered large slab avalanches (size 2-2.5) on the slopes below. The most avalanche activity has been noted around Valemont and Blue River. 

Snowpack Summary

At treeline and higher, fresh snow will cover old wind slab and wind press, and 20-50 cm of old snow. This sits on a melt-freeze crust all aspects to 2000 m and mountain tops on solar aspects. Another prominent crust layer is found 40-70 cm deep. 

Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy. The snowpack deteriorates rapidly at lower elevations.

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.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Upwards of 15 cm flurries is forecast to accumulate by the end of Tuesday, with localized areas getting up to 25 cm. New snow is not expected to bond well with the old surfaces, particularly on the old crust. Expect slab reactivity to increase through the day, especially in wind-loaded terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridges. They are a significant hazard alone and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely when the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3