Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Blue River, Cariboos, Clearwater, Clemina, East Kakwa, Kakwa, McBride, McGregor, North Monashee, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Premier, Quesnel, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
High temperatures and strong sunshine will weaken the snowpack.
Avoid overhead exposure to cornices, and steep south facing slopes in the heat of the day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, a small, rider-triggered wind slab was reported from north-facing terrain. Otherwise, reports are limited at this time of year.
With rapid warming expected, avalanche activity is likely to increase.
Snowpack Summary
Dry snow lingers over crust on high north-facing slopes. Wind affected surfaces exist elsewhere at high elevations, from variable winds throughout the region. Surface snow is expected to be moist from sun and warm temperatures.
The mid to lower snowpack is generally well-settled, with old weak layers buried 50–200 cm deep. Large triggers like cornice collapses could still trigger these layers, especially on high, shaded north-facing slopes.
Below treeline slopes are melting fast and generally below threshold for avalanche activity. Watch for stumps, rocks and open creeks.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Clear skies. 30 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Freezing level rises overnight, to 3000 m.
Friday
Increasing cloud with 5 mm of rain towards the end of the day. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature reaches +9 °C. Freezing level begins at 3000 m and drops to 2000 m over the day.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with flurries. 30 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1500 m. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy. 30 to 60 km/h west ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1500 m. Treeline temperature -3 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
- Triggering deep layers is more likely if the snow surface didn't freeze overnight.
- Use extra caution around cornices: they are large, fragile, and can trigger slabs on slopes below.
Avalanche Problems
Cornices
Cornice falls are unpredictable and can trigger large avalanches on deeply buried weak layers. Avoid exposure to large cornices, on ridgelines and on the slopes below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Loose Wet
Rising temperatures and strong sunshine will increase potential for wet avalanches. Warming will be most intense on steep south facing slopes, especially near rocks.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2