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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 9th, 2012–Mar 10th, 2012

Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

Cariboos.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Light snowfall - Moderate southwest winds - Freezing level at 800m Sunday: Light to moderate snowfall - Moderate to strong southwest winds - Freezing level at 1000m Monday: Light snowfall - Moderate southwest winds - Freezing level at 700m

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche observations were very limited on Thursday; however, natural avalanches to size 2.5 were observed on Wednesday. It is suspected that cornice fall was the trigger for a size 3.5 slab on a west facing alpine feature. Several skier-triggered size 1.5 avalanches within the recent storm snow were also reported in the region. The possibility of deep and destructive avalanches will persist throughout the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

Last weekend 60-100 cm of snow fell in the region. Strong winds and fluctuating temperatures with this system created the perfect recipe for storm and wind slabs. This recent snowfall added to the metre or so that overlies the mid-February surface hoar. This surface hoar may exist in combination with crusts or facets.These persistent weaknesses have remained reactive all week and are an ongoing concern at all elevations as avalanches may be unexpectedly large, and destructive. Large cornices have formed and could also act as a trigger on the slope below.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.