Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 10th, 2021 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada JSmith, Avalanche Canada

Email

Wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers in isolated locations below alpine ridgetops. Sheltered, north facing terrain at upper elevations is likely to provide the best riding, but minimize exposure to slopes with large cornices overhead.

Summary

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

  

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Clear / Light, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -19 / Freezing level valley bottom.

THURSDAY: Sunny / Moderate, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -6 / Freezing level 1300 m.

FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy / Moderate, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -2 / Freezing level 1600 m.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 1 / Freezing level rapidly rising to 2200 m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported in this region on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Crusty snow surfaces exist up to around 1600 m and even higher on slopes that have been exposed to direct sunshine. Cornices are present along ridgelines.

In the last week of February and the first week of March, a number of large avalanches were reported on persistent weak layers in the Cariboos. The layers of primary concern are a 50-100 cm. deep layer of facets that was buried in mid-February and a 50-150 cm. deep layer of surface hoar from early February that was most prevalent at treeline (and existed as a facet/crust combination on steep south-facing terrain). 

No recent avalanche activity has been reported on these layers. Steep, rocky, terrain with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack in the alpine, or steep, sheltered terrain at treeline are examples of areas where it may remain possible to trigger these layers

Terrain and Travel

  • Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggers on steep, convex slopes below ridgetops. 

Minimize exposure to cornices overhead when the sun is out.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Mar 11th, 2021 4:00PM