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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 12th, 2012–Mar 13th, 2012

Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Regions

Cariboos.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: light snowfall - moderate west winds - freezing level at surface Wednesday: Very light snowfall - moderate southwest winds - freezing level at 600m Thursday: moderate to heavy snowfall - strong southwest winds - freezing level at 1100m

Avalanche Summary

Recent avalanche observations have been extremely limited . Having said that, a few recently formed storm slab avalanches (size 1.5-2) were ski cut on north aspects at treeline and below. In the alpine a few natural avalanches to size 2.5 also occurred. I expect ongoing wind/storm slab and persistent slab activity with forecast weather.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow accumulations have been variable throughout the region, but mostly moderate daily accumulations and strong winds have been responsible for extensive wind transport at higher elevations, and recently developed wind slabs now exist at treeline and in the alpine. In the mid snowpack lies the mid-February surface hoar. Buried over a metre down, this surface hoar may exist in combination with crusts or facets. These persistent weaknesses have remained reactive all week and are an ongoing concern at all elevations as avalanches may be unexpectedly large and destructive. Large cornices have formed and could also act as a trigger on the slope below.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

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.