Avalanche Forecast

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

  

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries; 2-5 cm. / Light, west ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -13 / Freezing level valley bottom.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Light, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -8 / Freezing level valley bottom.

THURSDAY: Sunny / Moderate, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -5 / Freezing level 1200 m.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -1 / Freezing level 1600 m.

No avalanches were reported in this region on Monday.

A widespread avalanche cycle occurred in this region at the end of last week (around March 4-5) in response to intense wind loading and rapid warming.

Crusty snow surfaces exist up to around 1600 m and even higher on slopes that have been exposed to direct sunshine. Cornices are present along ridgelines.

In the last week of February and the first week of March, a number of large avalanches were reported on persistent weak layers in the Cariboos. The layers of primary concern are a 50-100 cm deep layer of facets that was buried in mid-February, a 50-150 cm deep layer of surface hoar from early February that was most prevalent at treeline (and existed as a facet/crust combination on steep south-facing terrain), and finally another persistent weak layer from late January that is now roughly 100-150 cm deep. Evidence suggests these weak layers have become hard to trigger, particularly in areas to the south and east, but it's too early to write these layers off completely.

• Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
• Small avalanches can have serious consequences in extreme terrain. Carefully evaluate your line for wind slab hazard before you commit to it.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
• Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.