Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cariboos.
Conditions are generally safe, but there are still isolated hazards from cornices and pocket wind slabs. Check out the newest forecaster blog as you plan your spring objectives.
Confidence
High -
Weather Forecast
THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with starry breaks, 10-20 km/h wind from the northeast, treeline temperatures drop below -15 C.
FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light variable wind, treeline temperatures warm to -6 C.
SATURDAY: Mostly sunny, light wind, treeline temperatures warm to -4 C.
SUNDAY: Mostly sunny, light wind, treeline temperatures warm to -2 C.
Avalanche Summary
Reports since the weekend indicate there have been large cornice falls in alpine terrain, some of which have triggered large wind slab avalanches (size 2-2.5) on the slopes below. We suspect the reactivity of these wind slabs is diminishing under the current weather pattern, but cornices remain a concern.
Snowpack Summary
Recent wind from the northeast formed slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above, and a variety of wind-affected surfaces. 20-50 cm recent 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.Â
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.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Avalanche Problems
Cornices
Cornices are very large this time of year and pose a hazard when travelling on and below ridges.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 2 - 2.5