Cariboos

Reactive wind slabs may exist at treeline and in the alpine on north through east-facing terrain.

Rising freezing levels and brief periods of sun could trigger wet loose avalanches.

On Tuesday, several natural wind slab avalanches (up to size 2) were reported on east aspects above 2300 m.

Reactive wind slabs likely exist in the alpine on north through east aspects. Wet loose avalanches are possible when freezing levels rise.

At upper elevations, recent snowfall has deposited up to 20 cm of new snow, leading to a settling snowpack reaching up to 40 cm on northerly aspects above 2600 m. A surface crust has formed at treeline. However, this crust is likely to soften with rising freezing levels.

Beneath this surface crust, a 5 to 25 cm crust from the late March rain event is present. A poor bond may exist between the new snow and this underlying crust.

A persistent weak layer comprising of surface hoar, facet, and crust layer from early March, is buried 60 to 120 cm deep.

The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas.

Wednesday Night

Cloudy with new snow up to 10 cm. 20 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level falling to 1000 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with snow starting in the afternoon up to 10 cm. 50 to 70 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 2000 m. Freezing level dropping to 900 m overnight.

Friday

Cloudy with flurries 5 cm. 25 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

Saturday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 15 gusting to 45 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling, and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
• Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.