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Avalanche Forecast

Apr 17th, 2022–Apr 18th, 2022
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Cariboos.

Avalanche activity is unlikely given the current cool and cloudy weather.

Continue to be mindful of your exposure to cornices when travelling on and below ridgelines.

Confidence

High - The snowpack structure is generally well understood.

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Increasing cloud cover. Treeline temperatures dropping to -6 C. 25-40 km/h winds from the south. 

MONDAY: High cloud in the morning with increasing cloud cover in the afternoon and light flurries. Treeline temperatures rising to -3 C. 25-40 km/h wind from the southeast.

TUESDAY: Cloudy with precipitation, 5-10 cm of new snow accumulation above 1300 m, rain below. Treeline temperatures rising to -3 C. 25-50 km/h wind from the northwest. 

WEDNESDAY: Partially cloudy. Treeline temperatures rising to -2 C. Light wind from the southeast. 

Avalanche Summary

Reports over the last week documented large cornice falls in alpine terrain, some of which have triggered large slab avalanches (size 2-2.5) on the slopes below. The most avalanche activity has been noted around Valemont and Blue River. 

Snowpack Summary

Recent wind from the northeast has left a variety of wind-affected surfaces. In sheltered areas, 20-50 cm of snow sits on a melt-freeze crust that exists on all aspects to at least 2000 m. A sun crust likely extends to mountain tops on solar aspects. Another prominent crust layer is found 40 to 70 cm deep. 

Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.

Terrain and Travel

  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Cornices

Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridges. They are a significant hazard alone and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely when the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3