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Monday, April 19, 2010

[MCR] North Blue River, Cariboos

North Blue River Cariboo Mtns.

Warm weekend with numerous wet loose avalanches all aspects except high N facing alpine . Also observed a na sz 2.5 slab avalanche south aspect starting at 2000m and a large 3.5 slab avalanche east aspect starting at 2300m. The larger avalanche ran down into below treeline onto a lake and was most likely cornice triggered.. Previous storm snow is still converting to a solid melt freeze crust, overnight recovery is just enough to tighten things up for a few hours travel. Snowpack heights average 230cm at 1220m, 320 cm at 1500m and over 400 cm at TL. Ski quality good on steeper S aspects when the crust turns to buttery corn, more polar aspects have yet to build a supportable crust above treeline. Still some hard windslab in ALP from previous storm. 

Looks like the heat is bringing the dormant PWL's to life in the Cariboos! Oh and watch out for the train engines (cornices) hanging above you! Saw some cornices travelling on previously slid surfaces for an entire runout, intact.
Note of Caution: All waterways (creeks and rivers) in the mountains are rising very fast with high daytime temperatures and only superficial freezing at night.

Dana Foster-Ludwig
Ski Guide

www.snowymountain.ca