Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 9th, 2019 5:54PM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

A few cm of snow are expected Wednesday, but the impact should be minimal. Wind slabs immediately lee of ridgecrest may remain sensitive to human triggering. Midday sun is likely to initiate loose wet avalanche activity in the new snow too.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

A low pressure centre over the Gulf of Alaska continues to produce weak systems that impact the Northwest. Wednesday's system has potential to deliver a bit of fresh snow to the Cariboos, but amounts look to be pretty modest. TUESDAY NIGHT: Freezing level around 2000 m at sundown lowering to 1000 m overnight, light west/northwest wind, trace of snow possible. WEDNESDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level around 1600 m, light southwest wind, 3 to 6 cm of snow possible.THURSDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level around 1500 m, light southwest wind, trace of snow possible.FRIDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level around 1600 m, light west/southwest wind, trace of snow possible.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday there was quite a bit of natural avalanche activity in the recent storm snow. Slabs to size 1.5 were reported from all aspects between 1800 and 2700 m. The natural activity was likely caused by the appearance of the strong April sun.On Sunday wind slabs to size 2 released naturally and were also susceptible to human triggering on north, northeast and east facing terrain between 1900 and 2200 m

Snowpack Summary

15 to 25 cm of recent storm snow in the alpine and at treeline sits on a melt-freeze crust on all aspects except for north slopes above 1800 m, where it sits on dry snow. Snow is disappearing rapidly at lower elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Up to 25 cm of recent storm snow sits on a crust in most locations, and on dry snow on north facing alpine terrain. Previously strong southwest wind has formed wind slabs at upper elevation that may remain sensitive to human triggering.

Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid freshly wind loaded features, especially near ridge crests, roll-overs and in steep terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Any appearance of the strong April sun will likely initiate a loose wet avalanche cycle in the new snow. The likelihood of loose avalanches increases as temperatures warm through the day and/or if the sun comes out for a prolonged period of time.

Loose 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: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Apr 10th, 2019 2:00PM