Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 8th, 2016 9:12AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

triley, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Wind slabs may be triggered by light additional loads like a single skier or rider. Conditions will change quickly from surface crust to wind affected snow near treeline.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Freezing down to valley bottoms overnight with light precipitation and moderate southwest winds. A mix of convective flurries and sunny breaks on Wednesday with moderate southerly winds and freezing level climbing to 1500 metres during the day. Strong southeast winds developing Wednesday night with moderate precipitation and freezing levels up to 1800 metres. Storm continuing on Thursday with light to moderate precipitation and freezing levels at 1600 metres. Mostly sunny on Friday with light winds and freezing levels remaining above 1500 metres.

Avalanche Summary

One natural slab avalanche size 2.0 and one natural cornice release size 2.0 were reported from alpine elevations on northerly aspects on Monday. A few natural avalanches size 2.5 were reported on Sunday. Natural avalanches continued to release down 40-60 cm on Friday up to size 2.5, and on Saturday up to size 3.0.

Snowpack Summary

A crust has developed on all aspects up to about 1600 metres. The recent storm slab is 50-80cm thick and bonding poorly to a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes and surface hoar (February 27th or late February) on shady and sheltered slopes. Thicker and touchier wind slabs are lurking throughout exposed terrain at and above treeline. A couple of sun crusts might exist in the upper 50-70cm on southerly aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Pockets of wind slab may continue to be triggered by human activity at ridge tops and in the lee of alpine features.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The late February buried surface hoar may continue to be triggered by large loads like cornice falls, or wind slabs in motion.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Mar 9th, 2016 2:00PM