Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 12th, 2016 3:00PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Cornices.

triley, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Spring Conditions. Forecast new snow and wind will bring back that winter feeling in the mountains. Watch for new wind slabs that may not bond to the old hard surface.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Strong southwest winds and light snow overnight with freezing levels dropping down to 1200 metres. Light winds on Wednesday with a mix of sun and cloud, and a chance of some convective flurries. Freezing levels rising up to 1700 metres during the day. Freezing down to about 1000 metres by Thursday morning under mostly clear skies. Sunny with light northerly winds on Thursday and freezing levels rising up to 2000 metres. Mostly cloudy on Friday with scattered flurries.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported. Most commercial operations in the region have closed for the season, and data has become sparse. Expect this spring cycle to continue for one more day before cooler weather arrives on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is currently going through a typical spring melt-freeze cycle on all aspects and at all elevations, except possibly high true-north slopes which could be holding onto cold snow. The strength (thickness) of the surface crust and how quickly it breaks down during the day are important factors to focus on. We are expecting a cooler day with a few cm of new snow combined with strong southwest winds. It may suddenly feel a lot more like winter, and you should expect to find some new wind slabs that may not bond well to the surface crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Forecast new snow and wind may develop new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. New wind slabs may not bond well to the old surface crust.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Forecast cloud, light snow, and cooler temperatures may reduce the likelihood of natural cornice falls.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Apr 13th, 2016 2:00PM