Cariboos

Expect surface conditions to change with daytime warming.

Avoid steep sun-exposed terrain in the heat of the day.

Moderate

• We are uncertain about how the timing or intensity of warming will affect the snowpack.

A few small (size 1) wet loose avalanches were reported on Wednesday that were triggered by skiers on sun-exposed slopes.

There is a widespread melt-freeze crust on most aspects, supportive in the morning and softening through the day—especially on sun-exposed slopes and at lower elevations. Recent snow (2 to 10 cm, up to 20 cm in wind-loaded areas) overlies the crust, with isolated wind slabs in alpine lee terrain. High north-facing slopes hold pockets of dry snow.

The late March crusts are buried 20 to 80 cm deep, elevation and aspect dependent. The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and strong.

We expect minimal refreeze below 2000 m.

Thursday Night

Clear skies. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Friday

Sunny. 10 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 4 °C. Freezing level 2400 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and clouds. 1 to 4 mm of rain at treeline. 10 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 5 °C. Freezing level 2600 m.

Sunday

Mostly cloudy. 5 to 10 mm of rain at treeline. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 2 °C. Freezing level 2300 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avalanche activity is unlikely when a thick melt-freeze crust is present on the snow surface.
• The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.