Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Blue River, Cariboos, Clearwater, Clemina, East Kakwa, Kakwa, McBride, McGregor, North Monashee, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Premier, Quesnel, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Avalanche activity is more likely as sun and rising temperatures affect the snowpack.
Minimize your exposure to cornices, and steep south facing slopes in the heat of the day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported on Tuesday.
Earlier in the week, natural wind slabs were reported from north and east facing alpine slopes. Several were cornice triggered, stepping down to buried weak layers.
Small loose wet avalanches continue on steep south-facing slopes in the afternoon.
Snowpack Summary
Expect to find dry snow on high north-facing slopes, crusty or moist snow at lower elevations and on sun affected slopes, and firm, wind-affected snow in exposed terrain.
The mid to lower snowpack remains generally well-settled and strong, with old weak layers now buried 50 to 200 cm deep. Large triggers, such as cornice collapses still have the potential to trigger these deeper layers, particularly on high, shaded north aspects.
Below treeline slopes are melting fast and generally below threshold for avalanche activity. Watch for stumps, rocks and open creeks.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
Clear skies. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level drops to 500 m.
Thursday
Clear skies. 20 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rises to -1 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Friday
Increasing cloud. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature rises to +6 °C. Freezing level 2000 m.
Saturday
Increasing cloud. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Freezing level 1500 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.
- Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
- Back off slopes as the surface becomes moist or wet with rising temperatures.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent winds have varied, watch for small but reactive wind slabs on all aspects. Greatest reactivity is expected where slabs form over a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5
Cornices
Cornice falls are unpredictable and can trigger large avalanches on deeply buried weak layers. Avoid exposure to large cornices, on ridgelines and on the slopes below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 3.5
Loose Wet
Rising temperatures and strong sunshine will increase potential for wet avalanches. Warming will be most intense on steep south facing slopes, especially near rocks.
Aspects: South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5