Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Blue River, Cariboos, Clearwater, Clemina, McBride, Premier, Quesnel, Renshaw, Robson.
Continued warm temps may cause cornices to fail and initiate wet loose avalanches.
Expect these larger triggers to increase the likelihood of releasing the persistent slab.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Saturday, 2 small (size 1) wind slab avalanches where reported near blue river, with one being remotely triggered from a ridge line.
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 in the alpine and due to warm temperatures and elevated freezing levels is settling and becoming moist. 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 variable strength 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
Sunday Night
Cloudy with light snow showers and rain 1 to 5 cm. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +5 °C. Freezing level 2500 m.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with snow and rain 5 to 10 cm. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +2 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.
Tuesday
Cloudy with light snow showers and rain 1 to 2 cm. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Wednesday
Mix of sun and cloud. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature +1 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.
- The more the snowpack warms up and weakens, the more conservative your terrain selection should be.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are likely when the snow remains unconsolidated and temperatures are warm.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: 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: Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Wind Slabs
Up to 20 cm of recent snow has formed slabs in wind-loaded areas at upper elevations. These slabs have been most reactive where they overlie a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2