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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 24th, 2022–Mar 25th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Cariboos.

Assess for wind slabs in steep terrain in the high alpine.

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Increasing clouds with no precipitation, 10 km/h southeast wind, alpine temperature -6 C.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 10 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level rising to 1500 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -4 C.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 10 km/h south wind, alpine temperature -3 C.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread loose wet and wet slab avalanche activity occurred during the warm-up on Wednesday. Similar avalanches are not expected to occur on Friday given the cool and cloudy weather forecast. 

Looking forward, riders may be able to trigger wind slabs in lee terrain features in steep alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Above 2000 m, 5 to 15 cm of recent snow may have formed wind slabs in lee terrain features from southwest wind. Below 2000 m, a hard melt-freeze crust or moist snow exists.

A weak layer that is isolated in nature may be found around 40 to 60 cm deep, which has been most prominent in the south of the region (e.g., access points between Clearwater and Valemount). The layer consists of surface hoar crystals in treeline terrain on northerly aspects or weak faceted grains above a hard melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes (i.e., east, south, west). The last avalanche observation on this layer was March 20 near Blue River. The recent warm spell has likely made this layer dormant, but it should still be treated as suspect if you find it in your riding area.

The remainder of the snowpack is well-bonded.

Terrain and Travel

  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • When a thick, melt-freeze surface crust is present, avalanche activity is unlikely.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.