Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cariboos.
Carefully assess steep lines for wind slab and limit exposure to slopes with cornices above. Please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report if you are recreating in the backcountry.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday night: No new snow expected. Light southeast winds and a low of -10 at 2000 m.
THURSDAY: A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow. Light southeast winds and freezing levels rising to 1800 m.
Friday: Sunny with no new snow expected. Light west wind and freezing level around 2000 m.
Saturday: Sunny with no new snow expeccted. Light westerly winds and freezing levels rising to 2200 m.
Avalanche Summary
Only one size two natural avalanche on a steep face has been reported in the past few days. If you are out in the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.
We suspect that small pockets of wind slab could be found in the alpine. As the sun comes out small wet loose avalanches are possible.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 20 cm of recent storm snow overlies old wind effected surfaces and a crust on solar aspects. Below this another melt-freeze crust can be found down up to 40 cm on all aspects to 2000 m and mountain tops on solar aspects. Moist snow will likely be observed on solar aspects as the sun comes out.
The late March crust layer is found 40-70 cm deep.
Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy. The snowpack deteriorates rapidly at lower elevations.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slabs have formed in the alpine. These wind slabs will likely not bond well to the surfaces below.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridges. They are a significant hazard alone and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely when the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3