Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Blue River, Cariboos, Clearwater, Clemina, Esplanade, Jordan, North Columbia, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Premier, Quesnel.
Lingering wind slabs may be reactive in leeward terrain features. Monitor surface conditions as you travel, especially as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday, moist snow surfaces and pinwheeling were reported from steep south-facing slopes. No significant avalanches were reported.
We expect continued winds and mild temperatures to build fresh and reactive wind slabs, likely sensitive to human triggers.
Observations remain limited this early in the season. If you head into the backcountry, please post to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Surface conditions vary from new surface hoar formation in sheltered terrain, wind affected surfaces in exposed terrain at higher elevations, and settling (cohesive) snow. Below this a layer of surface hoar exists 10 to 30 cm deep. Warmer temperatures will likely affect the surface snow and may produce a crust overnight.
Overall, the snowpack is generally well-bonded and settled with crusts present in the mid to lower snowpack. Snow depths at treeline range from 80 to 150 cm, with depths rapidly tapering off at lower elevations.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. 15 to 40 km/h west ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -5 °C with an above-freezing layer bringing the alpine temperatures to 0 °C.
Wednesday
Cloudy with sunny periods. 5 cm possible for the Cariboos. 15 to 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. The above-freezing layer brings alpine temperatures around +1 °C. Treeline temperatures near -2 °C. Freezing levels 1700 m.
Thursday
Cloudy with isolated flurries possible for the Cariboos. Sunnier skies further south. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. The above-freezing layer brings alpine temperatures around 0 °C. Treeline temperatures near -1 °C. Freezing levels near 1100 m.
Friday
Mostly cloudy. New snow 10 to 20 cm. 15 to 35 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Alpine temperatures near -3 °C. Freezing levels 1100 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.
- Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Look for wind affected snow around ridgelines. The most reactive slabs will likely be found on east and north facing slopes, however older and more stubborn slabs may linger on west facing slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2