20 - 30 cm low-density snow and moderate ridge tops winds have redistributed into fresh wind slabs in open areas. As slabs continue to build watch for wind slabs becoming more cohesive and reactive in steep terrain.
With lots of loose snow for transport moderate to strong southwest winds have created wind slabs in lees. Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking, and recent avalanches.
The layer of concern formed mid-November is composed of faceted grains, surface hoar, and a hard crust and can be found down 40 to 70 cm. Each incremental snowfall and wind event is adding an additional load bringing the weak layer closer to its tipping point. As a cohesive slab builds above the weak layer it could quickly become reactive to natural or human triggers.
Shooting cracks and whumpfing is being reported at treeline. No new avalanches have been reported on the persistent weak layer. However, note that we have had very few field observations. There is great uncertainty around this layer and it has professionals guard up.
On Sunday operators in the region reported a natural windslab avalanche cycle to size 2 from the previous 24 to 48 hours.
Thank you for all the MIN reports! They are extremely helpful to us in the early season when snowpack information is limited. Please continue to share your observations via the Mountain Information Network
20 - 30 cm of low-density snow has accumulated in sheltered areas at treeline. Where winds have redistributed fresh snow soft slabs are forming in lees. This overlies a variety of wind-affected surfaces.
A weak layer of surface hoar, facets, and melt-freeze crust can be found down 40-70 cm. This layer is more likely to be reactive where wind distribution has created a cohesive slab over it.
Snowpack depths range from 70 cm at treeline to 140 cm in the alpine. Below treeline snowpack is thin and faceted creating an additional challenge when accessing higher areas.
Tuesday night
Cloudy skies and scattered flurries bring an additional 2 - 10 cm to the Cariboos. Valley bottom winds remain light but at ridgetop winds are strong from the northwest. Alpine temperature low of -10.
Wednesday
Cloudy with scattered flurries in the morning amounting to 2 - 5 cm through most of the region. Southwesterly ridge top winds 40 to 60 km/hr. Alpine temperature low of -5.
ThursdayA mix of sun and cloud and isolated flurries, accumulating trace amounts of snow. Ridgetop winds are 35 gusting to 50 km/hr from the southwest. Alpine high temperature -5 and a low of -10.
FridaySunny with cloudy periods and isolated flurries. Ridgetop winds are 40 km/hr from the west. Alpine high temperature -10 and a low of -15.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
