Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 8th, 2018 4:38PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Direct sun is likely to weaken surface snow layers and give cornices a bit of an extra nudge. Avalanche danger may spike higher than forecast on sun-exposed slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperature near -3. Light winds.SATURDAY: Mainly sunny. Treeline temperature near -1. Light winds.SUNDAY: Mainly sunny. Treeline temperature near -1. Light winds.

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, a chunk of falling ice triggered a size 2.5 avalanche. 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

Around 20 cm new snow has formed storm slabs and variable thin wind slabs.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

Storm Slabs

Recent snow and wind have formed variable storm slabs. Large cornices may also be fragile, and could trigger deep/large avalanches on slopes below.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Sun on new snow is likely to lead to loose moist avalanches which could run surprisingly far.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Choose regroup spots carefully, thinking about what is above you.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 9th, 2018 2:00PM