Avalanche Canada warns sudden rising temperatures and wet weather will increase the risk of slides across the Cariboo.
The region has experienced dry winter weather with snap freezes and snowfall since the New Year. Ian Snowsell, Avalanche Forecaster for Avalanche Canada, says the sudden warmer weather, wet precipitation, and strong winds the Cariboo faces over the weekend can destabilize the snowpack layered on the mountains.
“We’re going to see a rise in avalanche danger throughout the whole interior region with these conditions,” says Snowsell. “Any change is going to affect the snowpack in different ways, especially warming that is arriving with precipitation. It’ll be noticeable where you could have a lot more natural avalanche activity and likely triggered avalanches by skiers and sledders.”
Snowsell says the mountains are safe to go into; however, he cautions hikers to limit exposure and traversal in known avalanche terrains. He says to consider sticking to lower treeline terrain, even if you are an experienced alpine hiker.
“Asses the conditions as you, and check the avalanche forecast daily, to see how this change in weather and stormy weather pattern is progressing and affecting the snowpack.”
Avalanche Canada recommends that hikers to carry their minimal suggested gear which includes a transceiver probe and a shovel. Dress warmly and in layers, and consider taking training courses on hiking and preparing for the regions.
Looking ahead into next week, Snowsell says the wet, snowy, and stormy weather will continue through Monday, with a gradual decrease and warming, decreasing the avalanche hazard through the week.
A full map of the avalanche zones with active conditions can be found at AvalancheCanada.ca/map.
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