Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Blue River, Cariboos, Clearwater, Clemina, McBride, Premier, Quesnel, Renshaw, Robson.
New and reactive wind slabs are forming at upper elevations on north-facing terrain.
Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing or cracking beneath your feet.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday, explosive control at upper elevations (northerly aspects) triggered cornices up to size 2.5. Some of these large cornice chunks triggered thin slabs on the slope below, and one triggered a deeper slab on the March persistent weak interface.
In the past week, there have been several recent cornice falls triggering very large persistent slabs in this region.
NOTE: Observations in this region are currently very limited.
Snowpack Summary
On the surface, up to 30 cm of recent snow exists on northerly aspects above 2600 m. Solar aspects continue to hold a melt freeze crust and at lower elevations on all aspects will present as moist snow.
Below this, a 5 to 25 cm crust from the late March rain event is present. This is capping a moist upper snowpack.
The primary weak layer of concern is a surface hoar, facet, and crust layer from early March, buried 60 to 120 cm deep.
The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with isolated flurries. 10 to 25 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level falling to 1500 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. 15 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Wednesday
Cloudy with flurries 2 to 10 cm. 15 to 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature 0 °C. Freezing level 2500 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.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Up to 20 cm of recent snow has formed slabs in wind-loaded areas at upper elevations.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Wet
Rain at lower elevations and brief periods of sun on solar slopes can trigger natural wet loose avalanches.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Very large natural persistent slab avalanches have recently been reported, primarily on northerly aspects in the alpine.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3