Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Blue River, Cariboos, Clearwater, Clemina, East Kakwa, Kakwa, McBride, McGregor, North Rockies, Premier, Quesnel, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Approach ridgelines with caution, reactive wind slabs still exist at higher elevations.
Wind has varied throughout the region; assess your local conditions as you travel.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday, natural wind slabs were observed to size 2.5 in the south of this region. Several wind slabs to size 2 were rider triggered at ridgelines. Cornices were also reportedly breakable under the weight of a rider.
Reactive wind slabs likely persist in the alpine on north through east aspects.
Snowpack Summary
Upper elevations have receved up to 40 cm of new snow, which sits over settling dry snow on alpine north facing slopes and a crust elsewhere.
Around 1800 m surface snow becomes moist, or crusty, and wet below 1500 m.
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar, facet, and crust layer from early March, is buried 60 to 120 cm deep. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas.
Weather Summary
Friday Night
Cloudy with flurries for most areas. Localised terrain may see up to 10 cm. 25 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level drops to 1000 m.
Saturday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow possible. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1400 m.
Sunday
Clear skies with 10 to 20 km/h westerly ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing levels reach 2000 m.
Monday
Partly cloudy. 30 to 40 km/h southerly ridgetop winds. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing levels reach 2200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Reactive wind slabs linger on north facing slopes at upper elevations.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5