Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2013 9:29AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Cornices and Storm Slabs.

triley, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Friday: Continued dry and cool with light variable winds. Daytime freezing levels rising to 1000 metres.Saturday: The ridge is expected to break down during the day, resulting in increasing cloud and light flurries overnight.Sunday: The low pressure system is expected to be mostly confined to the coast, but some models show a pulse of moisture moving into the interior.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

Sun crusts have developed on most solar exposed aspects. Surface hoar and surface facets are growing in most areas, and there is not much wind to disturb the new growth. The recent storm snow is settling, but storm slab releases are still possible. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried around February 12th may be triggered by storm snow avalanches in motion, or by cornice fall and other large triggers. The strong solar radiation may trigger some cornice fall or release moist loose snow in steep terrain that may step down to one of the deeper weak layers.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

There is a weak layer of surface hoar buried down about 100-150 cms (February 12th layer) that may continue to be triggered by large forces like cornice fall or storm snow avalanches in motion.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Cornices

Recent cornice growth may not be well bonded and may fall off naturally during periods of strong solar radiation.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Storm Slabs

The recent storm snow continues to settle and bond, but may continue to be triggered by human activity. Strong solar radiation may cause increased activity on sun exposed aspects.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2013 2:00PM