Avalanche Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, light northerly wind, a few centimetres of snow possible.

TUESDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level rising to about 800 m, light variable wind, trace of snow possible.

WEDNESDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level around 800 m, light variable wind, no significant snowfall expected.

THURSDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level around 1000 m, moderate to strong southwest wind, a few centimetres of snow possible.

Over the past week, avalanche activity was reported as natural loose wet and dry avalanches (up to size 2) running on steep, sun exposed slopes. There were also reports of cornices failing in the alpine on northerly aspects (up to size 2.5).

There are currently no professional operations reporting in the region and the data stream is very limited.

Most of the region picked up a few cm of snow Sunday with light wind, but areas near Barkerville may have picked up as much as 20 cm of snow. The new snow rests on a variety of snow surfaces, consisting of sun crusts, hard wind-affected snow, and soft faceted snow. There are limited observations in the region, but neighboring regions have reported surface hoar forming on sheltered, shady slopes. It will be important to track the depth, cohesiveness, and bond of the new snow to these various old snow surfaces across aspects and elevations where you are travelling.

Cornices are large and looming. A weak layer of surface hoar buried at the end of February may be found 50-100 cm deep, except in the northern tip of the region. Avalanche activity on this layer was last reported March 6th. 

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.