Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 11th, 2016 8:02AM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Cornices, Loose Wet and Wet Slabs.

triley, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Spring Conditions. Forecast cloud cover, cooler air temperatures, and dropping freezing levels will all contribute to decrease the likelihood and size of avalanches. Avoid slopes that do not develop a solid crust overnight.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cloudy overnight with freezing levels dropping down to 1500 metres and moderate to strong southerly winds developing. Light snow above 1500 metres on Tuesday with strong southwest winds. Overcast with light winds, freezing levels down to 1300 overnight and rising up to 1600 during the day on Wednesday. Mix of sun and cloud on Thursday with light winds and freezing levels climbing up to 2000 metres.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported. Most commercial operations in the region have closed for the season, and data has become sparse. Expect this spring cycle to continue for one more day before cooler weather arrives on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is currently going through a typical spring melt-freeze cycle on all aspects and at all elevations, except possibly high true-north slopes which could be holding onto cold snow. A moist/wet, isothermal, and rapidly melting snowpack exists on all aspects below around 1500 m and probably even higher on solar aspects. The strength (thickness) of the surface crust and how quickly it breaks down during the day are important factors to focus on.

Problems

Cornices

The likelihood of natural cornice falls will drop as the cloud cover increases and the freezing levels drop.

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, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Loose Wet

Loose wet avalanche activity is expected to decrease with forecast cloud cover and descending freezing levels. Watch for slopes that do not re-freeze overnight.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wet Slabs

Wet slab avalanche activity is expected to decrease with forecast cloud cover and descending freezing levels. Watch for slopes that do not re-freeze overnight.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Apr 12th, 2016 2:00PM