Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 13th, 2013–Apr 14th, 2013
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
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
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

Regions: Cariboos.

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Light snowfall / Light northeast winds / Freezing level at 1200mMonday: Mix of sun and clouds / Light east winds / Freezing level at 1000mTuesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Calm winds / Freezing level at 1300m

Avalanche Summary

Observations have been very limited in recent days; however, I would expect new storm slab instabilities (with potential to at least size 2) in the wake of new snow and wind on Friday night.

Snowpack Summary

At upper elevations moderate to locally heavy amounts of new snow have fallen and have most likely been shifted into deeper wind slabs by steady southwest winds. About 50-90cm below the surface you are likely to find a temperature/sun crust from early April's clear weather. At the same interface you may find a layer of surface hoar on shaded alpine slopes above ~2400m. Although unlikely, avalanches failing at this interface would most likely be large and destructive.Recent snowfall combined with wind have made large cornices bigger and more likely to fail.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Moderate to locally heavy snowfall and steady winds on Friday night and Saturday created new storm/ wind slabs. Storm slabs will be particularly touchy on wind-affected slopes, or in isolated terrain where buried persistent weaknesses exist.
Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Cornices

Ongoing wind and snowfall has added to size and fragility to existing cornices. Cornice falls may be destructive by themselves, and may also trigger large avalanches on the slope below.
Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.>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