Avalanche Forecast
Cariboos
As storm snow settles, persistent slab problems emerge. Sheltered treeline elevations are a primary concern.
Avalanche Problem 1: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Buried surface hoar is more likely to be preserved in sheltered openings at and below tree line.
- Watch for signs of slab formation at lower elevations, such as whumphing or shooting cracks.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Shifting winds have been redistributing last week's storm snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects. Exercise extra caution at lower elevations where winds may have formed a slab over a touchy surface hoar layer.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Be aware of highly variable recent wind loading patterns.
- Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the region. In addition to lingering wind slabs at higher elevations, persistent slab avalanche danger can be expected to persist in areas where the last week's storm snow consolidates into a slab above the December 15 interface.
Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).
Snowpack Summary
Last week's stormy weather brought 20-40cm of new snow to the region. Shifting winds (most recently from the north) have redistributed this storm snow into wind slabs on a variety of aspects at higher elevations while cold temperatures have inhibited slab formation in wind-sheltered areas. The storm snow lies over a variety of old surfaces, including large surface hoar (weak, feather-like crystals), crusts formed by sun or wind, and sugary facets. The bond at this old snow interface is of critical importance in areas where the overlying snow has consolidated into a slab. The most concerning areas areas are those that have seen previous surface hoar development, such as sheltered areas at and below tree line.
A crust which was formed by rain in late November is another major feature in the snowpack and is down approximately 70-100cm at tree line elevations. Recent observations show this crust gradually breaking down, making it a less well-defined failure plane for avalanching.
Weather Forecast
Monday: Mainly sunny. Light north winds. Alpine temperatures around -16.
Tuesday: Mainly cloudy. Light southwest winds. Alpine temperatures around -14
Wednesday: Cloudy with isolated flurries bringing a trace of new snow. Increasing overnight. Light southwest winds. Alpine temperatures around -16.
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The December 15 interface will likely be most reactive where the new snow has settled into a slab over buried surface hoar. Use extra caution around steeper, sheltered slopes at treeline and below - especially if you see signs of slab formation.