Avalanche forecast

Cariboos

Mar 5 – 6, 2024Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Dangerous Avalanche Conditions.

Beware of overhead and adjacent slopes. Remote triggering is a concern, avalanches have run full path.

Solar input could further weaken the snowpack.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Wind slab could be found on all exposed slopes at treeline and above.

    these avalanches could step down to deeper layers.

    Solar Input could increase the likelihood of triggering.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    A weak layer of faceted grains above a crust buried 60 to 120 cm deep is a recipe for large, high-consequence avalanches. Remote triggering is an ongoing concern.

    Avalanches triggered on this layer could run full path.

Snowpack Summary

The wind has come from a variety of directions, wind effect could be found on all exposed terrain at higher elevations. A new crust or moist snow will be found on south and west facing slopes.

40 to 80 cm overlies a layer of surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain, weak facets, or a hard melt-freeze crust on south and west-facing slopes.

A thick and hard widespread crust that formed in early February is buried about 60 to 120 cm deep. This crust may have a layer of facets above it. The snowpack below this crust is generally not concerning except in shallow alpine terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Check out this MIN for photos of sled triggered avalanches in Allan Creek and this one for a skier triggered avalanche.

Human and naturally triggered avalanche activity continues throughout the region with avalanches ranging in size from 1.5 to 3.5. Some avalanches have  run full path to valley bottom. Many human triggered avalanches have been remotely triggered and also resulted in sympathetics.

We expect this type of avalanche activity to continue.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Mostly clear skies with trace amounts of new snow. 15 to 35 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature  -15°C.

Tuesday

A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 35 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -13°C.

Wednesday

Sunny. 5 to 20 km/h southwest alpine wind. Treeline temperature -11°C.

Thursday

A mix of sun and cloud. 15 to 35 km/h south alpine wind. Treeline temperature -7°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Conservative terrain selection is critical, choose only well supported, low consequence lines.
  • Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent and overhead slopes.
  • Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Avoid exposure to steep sun exposed slopes.

Regions covered