Avalanche forecast

Cariboos

Apr 8 – 9, 2025Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

New and reactive wind slabs are forming at upper elevations on north-facing terrain.

Watch for signs of instability like whumpfing or cracking beneath your feet.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Up to 25 cm of recent snow has formed slabs in wind-loaded areas at upper elevations.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Wet loose avalanches are possible during daytime warming on steep slopes facing the sun or below treeline where the snowpack is wet.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, a natural wet loose avalanche cycle occurred up to size 2.

Reactive wind slabs likely exist in the alpine on north through east aspects. Wet loose avalanches are possible when on steep sunny slopes during the heat of the day.

In the past week, there have been several recent cornice falls triggering very large persistent slabs in this region.

Snowpack Summary

At upper elevations, recent snowfall has deposited up to 20 cm of new snow, leading to a settling snowpack reaching up to 30 cm on northerly aspects above 2600 m. A surface crust has formed at and below treeline. However, this crust is likely to soften with daytime warming at lower elevations and extend into the alpine on slopes exposed to the sun.

Beneath this surface crust, a 5 to 25 cm crust from the late March rain event is present. A poor bond may exist between the new snow and this underlying crust.

A weak layer of concern is a surface hoar, facet, and crust layer from early March, buried 60 to 120 cm deep.

The lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong in most areas.

Weather Summary

Tuesday Night

Cloudy with isolated flurries. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C. Freezing level falling to 1400 m.

Wednesday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 20 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1800 m.

Thursday

Cloudy with flurries 5 to 10 cm. 25 to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -2 °C. Freezing level 2200 m.

Friday

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 15gusting to 45 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 2200 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.
  • Avoid steep, rocky, and wind-affected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
  • Cornice failures could trigger large and destructive avalanches.
  • Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and sun exposure.

Regions covered