Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 16th, 2018 4:32PM

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

jmcbride, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Be aware of snow conditions that change with elevation and from aspect to another. Small storm slabs may exist in the alpine while wet snow may become a concern at lower elevations with daytime warming.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

TONIGHT: Light flurries. Accumulation 2-4 cm. Ridge wind light, southeast. Alpine Temperature near -5. Freezing level 500 m.SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy. Ridge wind light, northeast. Alpine Temperature near -4. Freezing level 1700 m.SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy, light flurries. Accumulation 2-4 cm. Ridge wind light, northwest. Alpine Temperature near -6. Freezing level 1500 m.MONDAY: Mostly cloudy. Ridge wind light to moderate, west. Alpine temperature near -6. Freezing level 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

There were no new reports of avalanches from the region on Thursday.Wednesday there were reports of several natural, loose, wet avalanches up to size 1.5 on south aspects at all elevations, as well as a skier triggered wind slab (size 1) on a northeast aspect at 2300 m.On Tuesday there were two size 1.5 skier triggered wind slab avalanches reported on north and northwest aspects in the alpine. Reports earlier in the week primarily included wet loose avalanches to size 2 in steeper terrain on sunny aspects.

Snowpack Summary

A light dusting (5-15 cm) of new snow covers a crust on all but high elevation northerly aspects, which still hold dry snow. Persistent weak layers from early January and mid-December are still being reported by local operators. They are generally considered dormant, but could wake up with a surface avalanche stepping down, a cornice fall, or a human trigger in a shallow or variable-depth snowpack area. These layers consist of sun crust, surface hoar and/or facets.

Problems

Loose Wet

Watch for areas of wet snow especially on steep, sunny slopes and near rocky outcrops or gullies.

Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 17th, 2018 2:00PM