Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Blue River, Cariboos, Clearwater, Clemina, McBride, North Monashee, Premier, Quesnel, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl.
The sun will be out and the freezing level is forecast to be higher than it has been in the past few days. As a result there may be an increase in wet loose avalanche activity on steep terrain facing the sun.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No significant avalanches were reported in the past few days.
Snowpack Summary
There is likely a thin crust on steep slopes facing the sun right up into the alpine. Any recent new snow has been redistributed by northeast winds. On high north-facing terrain wind slabs may sit over facets and surface hoar.
The mid-snowpack is generally strong but the lower snowpack is a different story. The November facets are still prominent at the base of the snowpack. This layer remains a concern in rocky, shallow, or thin to thick snowpack areas at treeline and above.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mainly clear. Light northeast wind. High of -8 °C at treeline. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. Light northeast wind. High of -2 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 1600m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Light to moderate northeast wind. High of 0 °C at treeline. Freezing level at 1800m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries. Light southwest wind. High of -1 °C at treeline. Freezing level 1700m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
The sun may be out for extended periods so expect to see an increase in thin loose wet avalanche activity on steep terrain facing the sun.
Aspects: South, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth, but large triggers such as cornice failures or smaller avalanches in motion have the potential to produce very large avalanches with surprisingly wide propagation. Suspect terrain for human triggering includes steep, shallow, and rocky terrain where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2.5 - 4