Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 1st, 2013–Apr 2nd, 2013

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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

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

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.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Light to locally moderate snowfall / Moderate west winds / Freezing level at 1700mWednesday: Overcast skies / Light northwest winds / Freezing level at 1700mThursday: A high pressure system builds promoting clear and dry conditions with light westerly winds and 1800m freezing levels.

Avalanche Summary

Natural wet-loose avalanches up to Size 2.5 continue to be reported from throughout the region on solar aspects. Isolated cornice releases up to 2.0 have also been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations (below 1800m). On high shaded terrain surface hoar is growing, and warm temperatures have promoted settlement within the upper snowpack. Cornices are huge!The March 10th surface hoar/crust interface is buried more than 100cm in most places. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness remains a concern because of the potential for very large avalanches particularly with heavy triggers such as cornice falls or lighter triggers on solar aspects where the crust is more prevalent.Below this the snowpack is strong and well settled.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanches are running on solar aspects if there is intense radiation during the heat of the day. Wet slab avalanches are also possible, particularly on solar aspects where buried crusts exist.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices weaken with daytime warming and become more likely to fail.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>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