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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 11th, 2023–Apr 12th, 2023

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

Regions

Cariboos, North Rockies, McBride, Premier, Quesnel, Sugarbowl, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Tumbler.

Convective snowfall means localized heavy accumulations that are tough to pin down before they happen. Be ready to treat avalanche danger as CONSIDERABLE if you encounter more than 20 cm of overnight snowfall on Wednesday.

Sheltered areas at treeline will continue to offer the best and safest riding.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

In addition to observing evidence of older natural storm and wind slab activity from earlier on in the storm in the Cariboos, operators from the North Rockies to the Cariboos (and beyond) observed a natural wet loose avalanche cycle focused in the later part of the day on Monday and on again Tuesday. This activity occurred on all aspects and in many areas extended all the way into alpine elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Continuing convective flurries will bring light new snow amounts to the region through Tuesday night, adding to 20-50 cm of recent storm snow that has already been affected by moderate to strong southwest winds at most elevations. In sheltered areas above treeline, low density snow may still be found. Wind-affected or not, the recent snow overlies a widespread crust on most aspects except north-facing high alpine slopes, where it sits on old, faceted surface grains.

The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

A weak layer of large facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer remains a concern in shallow snowpack areas.

Weather Summary

Tuesday night

Cloudy with continuing convective flurries bringing a wide-ranging 2-20 cm of new snow. Light southwest winds shifting northwest.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud, clearest in the north of the region with isolated flurries bringing up to 5 cm of new snow to the south. Light northwest winds. Treeline high temperatures around -2 with freezing levels around 1500-1700 m.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with some sunny periods, trace to 5 cm accumulation. Light to moderate southwest winds. Treeline high temperatures around -3 with freezing levels around 1400-1600 m.

Friday

Sunny. Light southwest winds. Treeline high temperatures around 0 with freezing levels to 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.

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.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.