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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 7th, 2022–Mar 8th, 2022

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

Regions

Cariboos.

Recently formed wind slabs may remain active to human triggers in isolated locations; especially where they are sitting on a slippery sun crust. 

Cornices are very large in many areas, be aware of what's above your head.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Clear skies / Light north winds / Low of -19 / Freezing level surface.

TUESDAY: Sunny / Light northeast wind / High of -9 / Freezing level surface.

WEDNESDAY: Sunny / Moderate north wind / High of -10 / Freezing level surface.

THURSDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Strong northwest wind / High of -8 / Freezing level surface.

Avalanche Summary

A skier triggered size 1.5 storm slab avalanche and a large natural cornice failure (size 2.5) were reported on Sunday. The cornice did not trigger any slabs on the slope below.

Snowpack Summary

Recent west and northwest winds have formed wind slabs on lee features at treeline and above. These slabs may remain more reactive on south facing slopes where they are sitting on a slippery sun crust. Below the recent snow, there may be a layer of small surface hoar that is likely most pronounced on northerly aspects or sheltered locations.

Lower elevations have seen warm temperatures last week and have a melt freeze crust on the surface to 1500 m. 

The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas, with prominent crust layers 50 to 100 cm deep. No recent persistent slab avalanches have been reported on these layers.

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.
  • Use ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind loaded snow.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
  • Minimize your exposure time below cornices.

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.