Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 8th, 2013 10:44AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

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.

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

Valid until: Apr 9th, 2013 2:00PM