Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 17th, 2014–Apr 18th, 2014

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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.

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 Blog Post.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Friday: Overcast with flurries. Moderate northwest winds. Freezing level 1500m.Saturday: Â Mix of sun and cloud. Light west wind. Freezing level 2200m.Sunday: Cloudy with flurries. Light southwest winds. Freezing level 1900m.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports from the past few days indicate numerous natural loose wet 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

Moist/wet snow and/or a crust exist on all aspects and elevations except for high elevation north-facing terrain. A melt-freeze crust buried at the beginning of April can be found 40-50cm below the snow surface. This layer has been variably reactive in snowpack tests. Three persistent weak layers exist in the Cariboos region:-The mid-March sun crust/surface hoar layer down 50-80cm and the early-March crust/facet/surface hoar layer down around 80-120cm seem to be dormant for the time being.-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, prolonged warming or rain may wake this layer up, which would result in very large and destructive avalanches.

Avalanche 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.

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

Although unlikely to trigger, the potential for very large deep slab avalanches should remain on your radar. Cornice fall, strong solar, warming temperatures or a surface avalanche in motion could act as a trigger.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 4 - 8