Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 27th, 2016 7:56AM

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

pmarshall, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Forecast snowfall and wind on Sunday could build fresh and touchy wind slabs in exposed terrain. Choose your lines carefully and avoid exposure to terrain traps.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Cloudy with light to moderate snow – 10-15 cm. The freezing level is around 1200-1400 m. Ridge winds are moderate from the S-SW. Monday: Cloudy with sunny breaks and a chance of flurries. The freezing level rises to 1000-1200 m during the day. Ridge winds are light. Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud. The freezing level jumps up to 1500 m and winds remain light.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity on Friday was limited to loose wet sluffs or pinwheeling on steep sun-exposed slopes, and isolated natural cornice failures. In some cases the cornice falls triggered small slabs below.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is probably sitting on surface hoar on sheltered and shady slopes, or a sun crust on sun-exposed slopes and lower elevation terrain. A couple sun crusts might exist in the top 30 cm on southerly aspects. New wind slabs will continue to develop on Sunday with forecast snowfall and moderate southwest winds in the alpine. The surface hoar and/or crust layer which was buried February 10 is now down 70-100cm but triggering this layer has become unlikely. Large cornices have recently been a concern but should also gain strength will colder temperatures.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs should continue to develop on Sunday. An underlying sun crust or surface hoar layer may increase the reactivity of these slabs.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices could gain some strength on Sunday under cooler and cloudier conditions; however, they remain a concern and should be treated with respect.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating. >

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Feb 28th, 2016 2:00PM