Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Blue River, Cariboos, Clearwater, Clemina, North Monashee, Premier, Quesnel, Robson.
Carefully assess local conditions, as new snow, wind, and warming temperatures could increase avalanche danger throughout the day.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
There have been a few reports of small (size 1-1.5) loose dry avalanches from steep terrain over the past few days.
Otherwise, no avalanche activity has been reported since last weekend.
With more snow, wind, and warm temperatures in the forecast, we anticipate natural avalanche activity in the coming days.
Snowpack Summary
New snow is accumulating across the region, burying various surfaces, including old wind-affected snow in exposed terrain, sun crusts on south-facing slopes, and weak surface hoar or faceted grains in sheltered areas.
Layers from dry conditions in January are found at varying depths within the upper 100 cm of snow. These include weak faceted snow, sun crusts on south-facing slopes, and surface hoar in shaded terrain.
The mid and lower snowpack is generally well-settled and strong.
Weather Summary
Thursday Night
Cloudy with 1 to 4 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Cloudy with 2 to 10 cm of snow. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Saturday
Cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
Sunday
Cloudy with 5 to 15 cm of snow. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level rising to 1800 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
- Avalanche danger is expected to increase throughout the day.
- Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to buried weak layers.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow and moderate southwest wind will build fresh slabs on lee slopes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
Weak layers from recent dry, clear, and cold conditions persist within the upper 100 cm of snow. These layers could become more reactive with the added stress of new snow and warming temperatures.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5