Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 15th, 2019 3:41PM

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.

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Be cautious of touchy deposits of new snow around ridges and in lee terrain. If the sun shines or the snowpack turns moist, the likelihood of triggering loose wet avalanches will increase, especially in areas with fresh snow.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear / southwest wind, 15 km/h / alpine low -2 C / freezing level valley bottomTUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, trace accumulation / southwest wind, 30-40 km/h / alpine high +2 C / freezing level 1800 mWEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm snow / southwest wind, 40 gusting to 60 km/h / alpine high +2 C / freezing level 2000 mTHURSDAY: Mainly cloudy with scattered wet flurries, up to 10 cm snow / west wind, 30-45 km/h / alpine high +3 C / freezing level 2200 m

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday a small (size 1) natural storm slab was observed on an east aspect at 2600 m.On Thursday, a couple natural and machine triggered storm slab avalanches 20-40 cm deep and up to size 2.5 were observed on east facing alpine slopes.Last Tuesday, a small (size 1) slab avalanche 30 cm deep was remotely triggered by a skier from 80 m away on a northeast aspect at 2250 m. A layer of small surface hoar below the most recent snow may have been the weak layer. Additionally, several loose wet avalanches up to size 1.5 were triggered on solar aspects throughout the day by strong solar radiation.

Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm fell around the region since Saturday, in the alpine new snow has been redistributed by wind in exposed areas. The new snow accumulated over a melt freeze crust on most aspects. On north-facing terrain above 2000 m, the new snow accumulated over another 20-30 cm wind-affected snow from early April, in isolated areas surface hoar may now be buried 30-65 cm. Older wind slabs sitting on surface hoar might still be sensitive to human triggers. Below treeline snow is disappearing rapidly. Sun and rising freezing levels are warming the snowpack and settling new snow, the likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase as heat penetrates into the snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow falling with wind has accumulated over a crust on most aspects and dry snow on polar aspects in the alpine, potentially hiding older, recently formed wind slabs. The deepest and touchiest deposits will be around ridge crests and lee terrain.

Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

As the sun comes out and the snowpack warms and moistens, the likelihood of loose wet avalanches will increase.

Loose wet avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.A moist/wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches all indicate a weakening snowpack.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 16th, 2019 2:00PM