Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Apr 4th, 2023–Apr 5th, 2023

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Cariboos, McBride, Premier, Quesnel, Sugarbowl, Renshaw, Robson.

Wind slabs may be reactive on north through east aspects at upper elevations. Whumpfing, cracking, and avalanches are good indicators of an unstable snowpack. Use extra caution around slopes that are being warmed by the sun.

Be ready to change plans with the potential for quick changes in the weather.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

A natural icefall size 2 was reported from a NE aspect in the high alpine. This did not pull a slab avalanche from the slope below.

When the sun pokes out you may see natural wet or dry loose avalanches from solar aspects. Spring weather can change quickly so be willing and ready to adjust your trip to the conditions.

If you are getting out in the backcountry, consider making a post on the MIN (Mountain Information Network). You can share riding conditions, avalanche or snowpack observations, or even just a photo.

Snowpack Summary

10-20 cm of mostly soft snow is settling over a widespread, thin crust except on north-facing high alpine slopes, where it sits on old, faceted surfaces.

The mid-snowpack is generally strong.

There continues to be a weak layer of facets from November at the base of the snowpack. This layer remains a concern in rocky, shallow, or thin to thick snowpack areas at treeline and above.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Mix of clear and cloud. Possible trace of snow. Ridgetop wind 20-30 km/h freezing level falling to valley bottom. Treeline low around -8°C.

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud. Possible trace of snow. Light variable wind from the southwest. Freezing level rising to 1500 m. Treeline high around -5°C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with possible sunny breaks. Ridgetop wind 30-40 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to 1700 m.

Friday

Mostly cloudy. 3 cm of snow is expected. Southwest ridgetop wind 40 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom in the morning, rising to between 1700 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.