Avalanche Forecast
Cariboos
This forecast is based on very few field observations and a high level of uncertainty exists. A conservative approach to terrain selection is critical until more snowpack data becomes available.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- The new snow may require several days to settle and stabilize.
Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Not much is known about the reactivity of a hard crust which lurks deep in the snowpack. This uncertainty warrants conservative terrain selection as an avalanche at this interface could be large and destructive.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region. This may speak to a lack of observations rather than actual conditions. With recent wind and snowfall, a natural storm slab avalanche cycle is expected to have occurred on Thursday. Human triggering of these storm slabs is expected to continue into the weekend.
We currently have very limited observations from this region. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Up to 40cm of new snow has fallen in the past few days. At higher elevations, southerly winds (gusting strong at times) likely redistributed the new snow, forming wind slabs on lee features.
Below the recent storm snow you may find a couple of crusts which formed as a result of last week's rain. That said, little is known about the reactivity of these crusts or the elevation bands at which you're likely to find them.
A major feature in the snowpack is a crust which formed around November 11th and can be found approximately 100cm down at treeline elevations. We currently have very limited snowpack observations within this region and it is critical to supplement this information with your own observations.
The depth of the snowpack varies greatly with elevation. Recent reports suggest the average depth is 200+cm in the alpine, 100-160cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.
Weather Forecast
Friday: 5-10cm of new snow / Strong southwest winds / Freezing level at 900m
Saturday: Light flurries / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at 400m
Sunday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light and variable winds / Freezing level at valley bottom with alpine temperatures dropping to about -13
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Recent wind and snowfall has likely formed touchy new storm slabs. Storm slabs may more reactive than expected in wind-exposed terrain, or in areas where underlying crusts remain reactive.