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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 19th, 2022–Apr 20th, 2022
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.

Carefully assess the wind slab hazard as you gain elevation. Limit exposure to slopes with cornices above.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night: Possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow with moderate west winds. Low of -8 at 1600 m.

 

WEDNESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow and light southeast winds. Freezing levels rising to 1800 m.

THURSDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light south winds and freezing levels rising to 2000 m.

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected. Light west wind and freezing level around 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported on Monday in the Region.

Reports over the last week documented large cornice falls in alpine terrain, some of which have triggered large slab avalanches (size 2-2.5) on the slopes below. The most avalanche activity has been noted around Valemont and Blue River. 

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20 cm of new snow overlies old wind effected surfaces and a crust on solar aspects. Below this a melt-freeze crust can be found down up to 40 cm on all aspects to 2000 m and mountain tops on solar aspects. Moist snow will likely be observed on solar aspects as the sun comes out.

Another prominent crust layer is found 40-70 cm deep.

Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy. The snowpack deteriorates rapidly at lower elevations.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs have formed at treeline and above. These wind slabs will likely not bond well to the surfaces below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridges. They are a significant hazard alone and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely when the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Loose Wet

wet loose avalanches will likely occur in steep terrain as the sun comes out.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2