Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 7th, 2018 4:08PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Keep your distance from large looming cornices.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Cloudy. Around 10-15 cm snow. Treeline temperature near -5. Light to moderate southerly winds.FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperature near -3. Light winds.SATURDAY: Mainly sunny. Treeline temperature near -1. Light winds.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, a few large cornice falls were reported, without releasing large avalanches on slopes below. A few loose wet solar-triggered avalanches were also observed.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow continues to settle and dry out. New wind slabs may build on Thursday lee to the south, at alpine and treeline elevations.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 forecast warming, 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. Facets linger at the base of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and wind may build new wind slabs. Stay well away from large looming cornices.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Persistent slabs are most likely to be triggered with a large load like cornice fall; or by a person in a thin or variable-depth snowpack spot.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could potentially trigger the persistent slab.Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Mar 8th, 2018 2:00PM