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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 24th, 2020–Mar 25th, 2020

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.

Danger is considerable in isolated areas that received 30+ cm of recent new snow such as the mountains near Wells and Barkerville. Fresh storm slabs may be likely to human trigger.

Small wind slabs below ridgetops are the primary concern for the rest of the region.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly cloudy, light northwest winds, alpine low -15 C, freezing level valley bottom.

WEDNESDAY: Mostly cloudy, light northwest winds, alpine high -6 C, freezing level 900 m.

THURSDAY: Cloudy with possible flurries; 0-3 cm, moderate west winds, alpine high -2 C, freezing level 1200 m.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm, moderate to strong west winds, alpine high 0 C, freezing level 1500 m.

Avalanche Summary

Over the past week, avalanche activity was reported as natural loose wet and dry avalanches (up to size 2) running on steep, sun exposed slopes. There were also reports of cornices failing in the alpine on northerly aspects (up to size 2.5).

There are currently no professional operations reporting in the region and the data stream is very limited.

Snowpack Summary

Most of the region picked up a few cm of snow Sunday with light wind, but areas near Barkerville/Wells picked up 30 cm of new snow by the end of the day Monday.

The new snow rests on a variety of snow surfaces, consisting of sun crusts, hard wind-affected snow, and soft faceted snow. There are limited observations in the region, but neighboring regions have reported surface hoar forming on sheltered, shady slopes. It will be important to track the depth, cohesiveness, and bond of the new snow to these various old snow surfaces across aspects and elevations where you are travelling.

Cornices are large and looming. A weak layer of surface hoar buried at the end of February may be found 50-100 cm deep, except in the northern tip of the region. Avalanche activity on this layer was last reported March 6th. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.
  • Be aware of the potential for larger than expected storm slabs due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.

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.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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.