Cariboos

Cooling temperatures may help to stabilize the upper snowpack, but remain cautious of reactive wind slabs on steep terrain near ridgetops.

Widespread sluffing in steep, south-facing, high alpine terrain was reported over the weekend, during periods of direct sun.

Several wind slab avalanches have been reported in recent days, triggered by a variety of factors. Most of the avalanches have occurred around ridge crests and on multiple aspects. Notably, some slabs failed on a buried surface hoar layer, located 30 to 40 cm deep.

Widespread surface hoar growth has taken place recently, particularly around treeline elevations and below. A crust can be found on the surface of all south or sun-affected terrain. Where sheltered from the wind, snow surfaces are a mix of old wind effect and low-density faceted snow.

Dry January conditions have created a weak, faceted upper snowpack with multiple surface hoar and crust layers within the upper 50 cm. These layers have shown signs of reactivity in areas where a cohesive slab has formed above.

The mid and lower snowpack remains generally well-settled and strong, with no current concerns or significant instability noted.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear skies. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny. 20 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Thursday

Mostly cloudy with up to 5 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

Friday

Mostly cloudy with 10 to 20 cm of snow. 30 to 50 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -7 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Be careful with wind-loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and rollovers.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Limit exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes, especially when the solar radiation is strong.