Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Blue River, Cariboos, Clemina, McBride, North Monashee, Premier, Quesnel, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl.
Watch for wind loaded pockets in leeward alpine features and back off sun exposed slopes during the heat of the day.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
A couple of large cornice failures were observed last week in high alpine north-facing terrain. These loads notably did not propagate any weak layers on the slopes below.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 20 cm of recent snow in the alpine is settling rapidly in mild temperatures, with surfaces becoming moist on sunny aspects and lower elevations. The recent snow sits over a widespread melt-freeze crust on all but high north-facing alpine terrain, where snow is dry and likely wind affected.
Weather Summary
Monday night
Clear. 10 to 20 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 900 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 20 to 30 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 2300m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with a trace of snow. 10 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2000m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- As surface loses cohesion due to melting, loose wet avalanches become common in steeper terrain.
- Avoid steep slopes when air temperatures are warm, or solar radiation is strong.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs are possible where wind has deposited sufficient snow into lee terrain features at upper elevations. Wind slabs may be especially reactive where they sit over a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Loose Wet
Cold dry snow will be especially sensitive to warm temperatures and strong sun. Expect loose avalanches on steep sunny slopes and at elevations where temperatures rise above zero.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5