Avalanche Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy / Moderate, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -12 / Freezing level valley bottom.

FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate, west ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -1 / Freezing level 1700 m.

SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 1 / Freezing level rapidly rising to 2200 m. and staying elevated overnight.

SUNDAY: Sunny / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature 1 / Freezing level 2100 m.

No avalanches were reported in this region on Wednesday.

Crusty snow surfaces exist up to around 1600 m and even higher on slopes that have been exposed to direct sunshine. Cornices are present along ridgelines.

In the last week of February and the first week of March, a number of large avalanches were reported on persistent weak layers in the Cariboos. The layers of primary concern are a 50-100 cm. deep layer of facets that was buried in mid-February and a 50-150 cm. deep layer of surface hoar from early February that was most prevalent at treeline (and existed as a facet/crust combination on steep south-facing terrain). 

No recent avalanches have been reported on these layers. However, big warm ups, like the one headed our way this weekend often awaken dormant weak layers resulting in large avalanches. Steep, rocky, convex terrain with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack are examples of places where triggering these layers are more likely.

Sunshine and warm temperatures often cause large cornice failures which are hazardous on their own and can also trigger large avalanches on deeper weak layers that the weight of a single rider would not trigger.

• Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
• A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
• Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.