Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cariboos, Kakwa, McBride, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Premier, Quesnel, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Lingering wind slabs will persist at higher elevations.
Sheltered areas at the treeline will offer the best and safest riding.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
A local operator on Sunday was able to trigger three wind slab avalanches reaching size 1.5 with the use of explosives.
On Friday there were reports of two wind slab avalanches. Both of these avalanches were accidentally triggered by skiers with one of them being triggered remotely. Both occurred in the alpine on northwest aspects. The depth of these avalanches was 30 to 40 cm. There was no involvement in either instance.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong southwest winds have redistributed most available snow and created fresh wind slabs at most elevations. Recent snowfall amounts up to 20 to 25 cm. In sheltered areas above treeline, a possible 40 cm of snow unaffected by the winds may be found. Whether the top layer of snow is wind affected or not, it will overlie a widespread crust on most aspects except north-facing high alpine slopes, where it sits on old, faceted surfaces.
The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
A weak layer of large facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is still a concern in shallow snowpack areas.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mainly cloudy, trace accumulation, winds southwest 25 km/h, freezing levels cooling to 1000 m by morning.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy, 5 to potentially 10 cm accumulation, winds variable and light, freezing levels up to 1400 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud, 2 to 5 cm accumulation by morning, winds west 20 to 30 km/h, freezing levels to 1500 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with some sunny periods, 2 cm accumulation, winds southwest 15 to 25 km/h gusting to 35, freezing levels starting at the valley bottom and climbing to 1500 m by end of day.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
- The more the snow feels like a slurpy, the more likely loose wet avalanches will become.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for isolated pockets of fresh windslab that may be reactive to human triggering in steep north and east-facing, leeward slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth.
Thinner snowpack areas may be more suspectable to triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 2.5 - 3.5