Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Blue River, Cariboos, Clearwater, Clemina, McBride, North Monashee, Premier, Quesnel.
Large avalanches are likely to occur.
Avoid all avalanche terrain.
A dangerously buried weak layer has shown it can be triggered from far away.
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
A natural avalanche cycle is expected to be ongoing at the time of publishing.
A few small, remotely triggered storm slabs were reported on Saturday. However, observations are very limited.
Several small and large (size 2) rider-triggered storm and persistent slab avalanches were reported on Friday. Some were triggered remotely from up to 40 m away.
Snowpack Summary
40 to 70 cm of snow from the recent storm sits on top of many different layers: Weak sugary facets, a sun crust, and surface hoar in sheltered spots. This snow fell with a lot of wind, so expect wind loading in exposed areas.
50 to 80 cm deep you will find the thick crust from early February, which has weak, facets on top. It seems to extend up to around 2400 m.
Below the crust is generally settled and not a concern.
Weather Summary
Sunday Night
Cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow. 15 to 35 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Monday
Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. up to 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
TuesdayMostly clear skies. 10 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -20 °C.
WednesdayCloudy with 10 cm of snow. 35 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Only the most simple non-avalanche terrain free of overhead hazard is appropriate at this time.
- Shooting cracks, whumphs and recent avalanches are strong indicators of an unstable snowpack.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
Up to 70 cm of new snow has formed a reactive storm slab. These slabs often overlay weak layers of facets or surface hoar.
The wind will have dramatically increased the depth of this problem in exposed areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely - Certain
Expected Size: 2 - 3
Persistent Slabs
This layer is at a critical burial depth. It is rider-triggerable, very deep, and has shown to be triggerable from a distance. Very dangerous.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5