Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 8th, 2013–Apr 9th, 2013

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

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Cariboos.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Light snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1600mWednesday: Moderate to locally heavy snowfall / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 1600mThursday: Very light snowfall / Light west winds / Freezing level at 1000m

Avalanche Summary

Observations from the region have been somewhat limited; however, a size 2 glide crack release was recently observed on an east aspect at 1800m. A size 1.5 wind-loaded pocket was also ski cut on a north aspect at 2600m. It was 45cm deep, and ran below the recent storm snow.

Snowpack Summary

It's still winter up above 1700 or so. At upper elevations 20-45cm of new snow is covering a crust or moist snow. At the same interface you may find a touchy layer of surface hoar on shaded alpine slopes.At lower elevations (below 1700m) rain has made the snow surface wet or moist. New snow combined with wind have made large cornices even bigger.The mid and lower snowpack are generally strong and well settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Relatively small wind slab development is possible on Tuesday, adding to existing windslabs which will most likely have gained considerable strength.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Loose Wet

Daytime warming and rain will promote ongoing wet snow instabilities at lower elevations. Watch for loose wet avalanche in steep terrain, or glide cracks in areas with smooth ground cover.

Watch for wet loose or slab activity with forecast rain and/or warm temperatures.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4