Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 30th, 2012 10:15AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Unsettled weather is expected to continue overnight bringing another 3-5 mm of precipitation. The freezing level is expected to drop down to valley bottoms tonight. Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny in the north of the region. Some periods of convective flurries may occur in the south and west. The freezing level should ride up to about 1200 metres, but strong solar radiation may bring alpine temperatures close to zero. Sunday and Monday are expected to be mostly cloudy with light precipitation and light southerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported from the region.

Snowpack Summary

New snow has formed windslabs in the alpine, and added a new load to the very large cornices in the region. There is moist snow on all aspects below 1600 metres. The freezing level is forecast to drop down to valley bottom by Saturday morning. Operators in the Cariboo are not talking about the mid-february deeply buried weak layer. There have not been any avalanches released on the deep layer for some time in this region. Strong solar radiation may weaken the storm snow on southerly aspects on Saturday.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and southerly winds have developed windslabs at ridgetops. These windslabs may take a couple of days to settle and bond.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Cornices

New snow and wind have added anew load to the already large cornices in the region. Sunshine or warm afternoon temperatures may weaken cornices and cause them to fall off naturally.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Wet

Forecast mix sun and cloud could provide enough solar radiation to initiate loose wet avalanches on solar aspects. Snowballing, pinwheels, and moist surface snow are indicators of snowpack deterioration. Best to avoid slopes with these conditions.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Mar 31st, 2012 9:00AM