Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 18th, 2018 3:06PM

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

jmcbride, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Be aware of snow conditions that change with elevation and from one aspect to another. Thin storm slabs may exist in the alpine while crusts on sunny and lower elevation slopes may become moist or wet with sun or daytime warming.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Mostly cloudy, light flurries. Accumulation trace. Ridge wind light, west. Alpine temperature near -6. Freezing level 1500 m.TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy, light flurries. Accumulation up to 4 cm. Ridge wind light, southwest. Alpine temperature near -5. Freezing level 1500 m.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy, flurries. Accumulation 5-10 cm. Ridge wind light, south. Alpine temperature near -5. Freezing level 1600 m.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no new reports of avalanches within the region since Wednesday when there were reports of several natural, loose, wet avalanches up to size 1.5 on south aspects at all elevations, as well as a skier triggered wind slab (size 1) on a northeast aspect at 2300 m.And on Tuesday there were two size 1.5 skier triggered wind slab avalanches reported on north and northwest aspects in the alpine. Reports earlier in the week primarily included wet loose avalanches to size 2 in steeper terrain on sunny aspects.

Snowpack Summary

A light dusting (5-15 cm) of snow covers a crust on all but high elevation northerly aspects, which still hold dry snow. Below 1800 m, a supportive surface crusts exists on all aspects and will likely breakdown with daytime warming, becoming moist in the afternoon. Persistent weak layers from early January and mid-December are still being reported by local operators. They are generally considered dormant, but could wake up with a surface avalanche stepping down, a large cornice fall, or a human trigger in a shallow or variable-depth snowpack area. These layers consist of sun crust, surface hoar and/or facets.

Problems

Loose Wet

Watch for areas of wet or moist snow especially on steep, sunny slopes and near rocky outcrops or gullies.

Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 19th, 2018 2:00PM