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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Apr 5th, 2023–Apr 6th, 2023
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
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
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Cariboos, Kakwa, McBride, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Premier, Quesnel, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.

Increased southerly winds combined with the recent storm snow may form new wind slabs at treeline and above.

Rider-triggered avalanches are possible.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday in the southern part of the region, 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. There have been no avalanche reports from the northern half of the region for several days.

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

10-30 cm of mostly soft snow is settling and bonding to a widespread crust on most aspects except north-facing high alpine slopes, where it sits on old, faceted surfaces. Forecast moderate to strong southwest wind will likely build fresh wind slabs on leeward slopes and behind terrain features.

The middle of the snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.

A weak layer of large facets is found near the base of the snowpack. This layer is still a concern in shallow snowpack areas.

 

Weather Summary

Wednesday Night

Cloudy. Ridgetop wind 20-30 km/h freezing level falling to valley bottom. Treeline low around -5°C.

Thursday

Cloudy. Possible trace of snow. Ridgetop wind 40-60 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level rising to 1500 m. Treeline high around -3°C.

Friday

Cloudy with new snow 3-5 cm. Ridgetop wind 40-65 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.

Saturday

Cloudy. New snow 5-15 cm of snow is expected. Ridgetop wind 60-80 km/h from the southwest. Freezing level 700 m in the morning, rising to between 1800 m.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
  • Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
  • Seek out wind sheltered terrain below treeline where you can avoid wind slabs and find great riding.
  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong southwest wind will kick in on Thursday and continue through the forecast period. New wind slabs will likely build on leeward slopes and may be reactive to rider triggering.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of facets exists near the base of the snowpack. The likelihood of human triggering is low given the layer's depth.

Thinner snowpack areas may be more suspectable to triggering.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2.5 - 3.5