Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 30th, 2013–Mar 31st, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Cariboos.

Be alert to conditions that change with daytime warming. Danger ratings may exceed posted levels when solar radiation is strong.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Clear skies are expected on Sunday with increased cloud on Monday and a chance of very light precipitation on Tuesday. Winds will be mostly light from the northwest switching to southwest on Tuesday. Freezing levels may reach 2200m on Sunday, 2500m on Monday and then 2100m on Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

Natural wet-loose avalanches up to Size 2.5 continue to be reported from throughout the region on solar aspects. Isolated cornice releases up to 2.0 have also been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Clear, warm days and cold nights have brought spring's daily melt freeze cycle to the surface snow on sunny aspects into the alpine and all aspects at lower elevations (below 1800m). On high shaded terrain surface hoar is growing, and warm temperatures have promoted settlement within the upper snowpack. Cornices are huge!The weak layer of buried surface hoar from March 10th is buried more than 100cm in most places, and is now difficult to trigger. Although unlikely to trigger, this deep persistent weakness has the potential for very large avalanches particularly with very heavy triggers such as cornice falls or ice fall.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Wet

Expect loose sluffs to run in the heat of the day when the sun is strong.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Be alert to conditions that change throughout the day.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Cornices

Cornices weaken with daytime warming and become more likely to fail.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 6