Avalanche Forecast

A warm storm starts to push out the arctic air. In the areas around Barkerville, midweek freezing levels may be higher than the rest of the region, up to 1750 m. Weather will vary across the region. Check your local weather forecasts for more specifics, and assess conditions as you travel. 

MONDAY NIGHT: Intermittent cloud. 0-5 cm of snow expected. Strong southwest wind, trending to extreme at higher elevations. Freezing level at valley bottom. 

TUESDAY: Mostly cloudy. 0-15 cm of snow expected. Moderate southwest wind, trending to extreme at higher elevations. Freezing level around 1000 m.

WEDNESDAY: Overcast. 5-10 cm of snow expected overnight, and another 2-10 through the day. Moderate southwest wind trending to strong at higher elevations. Freezing level around 1200 m.

THURSDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Possible trace of snow expected. Light southwest winds, trending to strong northwest at higher elevations. Freezing level around 1000 m.

On Sunday, numerous small, loose dry avalanches were reported on slopes that saw the sun.

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

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).

Expect to find a wind-effected upper snowpack in the alpine, and in exposed terrain around treeline. In sheltered areas, there may be up to 50 cm of low density snow that is starting to settle and get denser as the temperature rises.

These windslabs, new snow, and settling snow are expected to be sitting on top of faceted snow that formed during the colder weather last week, which means the upper snowpack may get a bit upside-down and more likely to avalanche. 

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

This recent Mountain Information Network (MIN) post has a great summary of conditions around the Mt Murray cabin, and some snowpack observations that may relate to one of these surface hoar layers.

• 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.