Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 14th, 2014 9:35AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Avalanche danger can rise very quickly with warming and solar radiation. Be aware of changing conditions and overhead hazards.For more insight into spring danger ratings, check out our latest Blog Post.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Cloudy with scattered flurries. Light westerly winds. Freezing level 1500m.Wednesday: Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries. Light northwest winds. Freezing level 1600m.Thursday: Flurries with occasional sunny breaks. Light north winds. Freezing level 1800m.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports indicate numerous natural avalanches running to size 2.5 on southerly aspects in the alpine. A size 3 natural cornice triggered avalanche was also reported from a east aspect in the alpine on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Mainly sunny weather and the freezing level reaching up to 2300m has created moist snow and/or a supportive crust on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north-facing terrain. This has helped to settle out last week's storm snow accumulations. Moderate west and northwest winds have redistributed what little dry snow still exists at upper elevations into wind slabs immediately lee of ridge crest. Three persistent weak layers exist in the highly variable snowpack of the Cariboos:-The mid-March sun crust/surface hoar layer down 50-80cm still has potential for human-triggering in isolated areas. -The early-March crust/facet/surface hoar layer down around 80-120cm has become less susceptible to human triggering, but still has the capacity to produce large avalanches.-The mid-February crust/facet/surface hoar combo is typically down 150 - 200cm. Direct triggering of this layer has become unlikely, however, cornice fall, a smaller avalanche in motion or prolonged warming may wake this layer up, which would result in very large and destructive avalanches.

Problems

Loose Wet

Expect to see an increase in avalanche activity with forecast rain at lower elevations or on solar aspects if the sun comes out for extended periods of time.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The potential for very large deep slab avalanches needs to remain on your radar. Cornice fall, strong solar, warming temperatures or a surface avalanche in motion could act as triggers.

Be aware of the potential for very large, deep and destructive avalanches due to the presence of deeply buried persistent weak layers.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

4 - 8

Valid until: Apr 15th, 2014 2:00PM