Avalanche forecast

Cariboos

Mar 7 – 8, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Recent cornice growth may not be well bonded and may fall off naturally during periods of strong solar radiation.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    3–6
    There is a weak layer of surface hoar buried down about 100-150 cms (February 12th layer) that may continue to be triggered by large forces like cornice fall or storm snow avalanches in motion.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    The recent storm snow continues to settle and bond, but may continue to be triggered by human activity. Strong solar radiation may cause increased activity on sun exposed aspects.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Friday: Continued dry and cool with light variable winds. Daytime freezing levels rising to 1000 metres.Saturday: The ridge is expected to break down during the day, resulting in increasing cloud and light flurries overnight.Sunday: The low pressure system is expected to be mostly confined to the coast, but some models show a pulse of moisture moving into the interior.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

Sun crusts have developed on most solar exposed aspects. Surface hoar and surface facets are growing in most areas, and there is not much wind to disturb the new growth. The recent storm snow is settling, but storm slab releases are still possible. The weak layer of surface hoar that was buried around February 12th may be triggered by storm snow avalanches in motion, or by cornice fall and other large triggers. The strong solar radiation may trigger some cornice fall or release moist loose snow in steep terrain that may step down to one of the deeper weak layers.

Regions covered