Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

The reports we received on Wednesday indicate a widespread wind slab avalanche cycle up to size 3 in the Cariboo Mtns. Additionally small loose dry avalanches at high elevations and loose wet slides on all aspects and elevations.

Storms have continued to bring snow, mainly in the Cariboos, and primarily at alpine elevations. On north aspects above 1600 m, this 20-50 cm of predominantly wind-affected, settling snow overlies old, faceted grains, now around 30-70 cm deep.

On solar aspects and even some north aspects to mountaintop (e.g. west side of the Cariboos like Barkerville ) either the recent snow overlies widespread melt-freeze crust or this crust is at the surface.

The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong. A weak layer of facets at the base of the snowpack remains a concern, primarily at alpine elevations with variable snowpack depths.

Thursday Night

Late day convective flurries ending in the evening. Alpine low temperatures near -12 C. Light southwest wind.

Friday

Mostly sunny. Dry. Light southwest winds. Treeline high temperatures around 0 with freezing levels to 1500 m.

Saturday

Increasingly cloudy with isolated flurries. WInd increasing to moderate south or southwest. Treeline high temperatures around 0 with freezing levels to 1700 m.

Sunday

Warming temperatures with single digit above zero at treeline. Continued moderate southerly wind. Mostly cloudy with isolated flurries.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
• Watch for avalanche hazard to increase throughout the day.
• In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.