Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cariboos, East Kakwa, Kakwa, McGregor, North Rockies, Pine Pass, Quesnel, Renshaw, Robson, Sugarbowl, Tumbler.
Continue to choose conservative terrain.
We have some uncertainty in how quickly the snowpack will gain strength.
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
ON Sunday a natural avalanche cycle occurred with avalanches on all aspects and elevations to size 3.
A fatal avalanche incident involving one snowmobiler occurred in the Hasler riding area on Saturday. The avalanche was triggered in a wind-loaded east-facing chute feature at treeline and ran approximately 250 m. It likely failed on a layer of facets buried earlier in January. For more details on this incident, see the Fatal Avalanche Incident report.
Snowpack Summary
Recent snow has been redistributed by southerly winds. Elevated freezing levels and rain have moistened the surface at all elevations except some high alpine terrain.
30 to 60 cm of snow sits over a layer of facets formed during the mid January cold snap. Bonding at this interface varies through the region.
A prominent crust is found 40 to 100 cm deep. It extends up to 1900 m in the Cariboos and up to 1400 m around Pine Pass.
The midpack is generally strong and well bonded, except for areas east of the Divide, where the snowpack is shallow and faceted with depths of 60 to 100 cm around treeline.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Cloudy with 6 to 12 cm of new snow expected in the alpine, southwest alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, freezing level around 1600 m.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud with no new snow expected, southwest alpine wind 40 to 70 km/h, freezing level around 1800 m.
Wednesday
A mix of sun and cloud with light rain possible, southwest alpine wind 25 to 50 km/h, freezing level around 2400 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with around 5 mm of rain expected, southwest alpine wind 15 to 30 km/h, freezing level rising to 2200 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Make conservative terrain choices and avoid overhead hazard.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
- Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
Avalanche Problems
Persistent Slabs
Sustained high freezing levels have increased the likelyhood of weak layers deeper in the snowpack becoming active.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Loose Wet
Wet loose avalanches are possible in steep terrain when the snow surface is wet or moist.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2