Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cariboos, East Kakwa, Kakwa, McBride, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Quesnel, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Avalanche danger will be the highest where there is loose, recent snow being blown into slabs by the wind.
Snowfall and wind have varied around the region, so verify conditions in your area.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday, west of McBride, 20 cm thick wind slab avalanches were easily triggered and propagating widely on east facing slopes, but still only size 1.
We expect that larger, equally reactive wind slabs formed in places that got significant snow on Tuesday night.
If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network).
Snowpack Summary
Strong wind will likely continue to form the recent snow into fresh wind slabs in the alpine and treeline. This covers 10 to 40 cm of faceted snow (weak, sugary crystals). The middle and lower snowpack consists of rounds and a few crust layers, these are of no concern at this time.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy. 25 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow in the north end of the forecast area. 40 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level rising to 1500 m plus a possible above freezing layer around 2000 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy with 15-30 cm of snow. Less on the east slopes of the rockies. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop winds, lighter on the east slopes of the rockies. Above freezing layer breaking down, freezing level dropping back to 1250 m. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h northwest ridgetop winds, lighter on the east slopes of the rockies. Treeline temperature -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Stay off recently wind loaded slopes until they have had a chance to stabilize.
- Wind slabs are most reactive during their formation.
- Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Fresh wind slabs continue to form with recent snow and moderate to strong wind. These wind slabs are likely forming over a weak, faceted surface.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3