Avalanche Forecast

A warm storm starts to push out the arctic air. In the Barkerville area, the above freezing layer will be more likely to develop, and midweek freezing levels may be higher than the rest of the region, up to 2000 m. 

SUNDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear. No new snow expected. Moderate south wind trending to strong southwest at higher elevations. A possible above freezing layer could result in temperatures above 0C between 1750 m and 2500 m. 

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Possible trace of snow expected. Moderate south wind trending to extreme southwest at higher elevations. Above freezing layer breaking down. Freezing level around 500 m. 

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy. 2-7 cm of snow expected overnight, and another 0-8 cm during the day. Moderate southwest wind, trending to extreme at higher elevations, but tapering over the day. Freezing level around 1200 m.

WEDNESDAY: Overcast. 5-10 cm of snow expected overnight, and another 7-15 through the day. Moderate southwest wind trending to strong at higher elevations. Freezing level around 1200 m.

On Saturday, small, isolated, rider-triggered windslab avalanches were reported at treeline, along with a single, larger, naturally triggered windslab avalanche in the alpine.

On Friday, one professional operation reported isolated size 2 storm slab avalanches due to rapid loading in steep, unrideable features. 

There are very few reporting operations in this region, so remember that a lack of observed avalanches does not necessarily mean that there is a lack of avalanche activity. If you are getting out in the backcountry, and have conditions information, or even just good vibes and good photos to share, consider making a post on the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

The region received 25 to 40 cm of low-density snow since Wednesday evening. Strong southerly winds formed this low density snow into windslabs on lee features. 

Otherwise, due to the recent cold temperatures, expect the upper snowpack to be low density and faceted.

There have been isolated reports of two buried surface hoar layers between 25 and 80 cm deep in the Barkerville area. Due to a lack of recent observations in this area, we have to assume that these layers still have the potential to fail under the weight of a rider.

• Start with conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
• Avoid slopes that sound hollow or drum-like.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.