Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cariboos.
Continually assess the wind effect as you move through the terrain. Variability in wind speed and direction has created unusual loading patterns.
Confidence
Moderate -
Weather Forecast
Saturday night: some light flurries accumulating up too 5cm of new snow with moderate Northwest winds. Low of -14 at 1500m.
Sunday: high of -11 at 1500m, light to moderate Northwest winds in the alpine. No snow expected.Â
Monday: high of -15 at 1500m with no new snow expected. Alpine winds will be moderate from the Northwest.
Tuesday: high of -10 at 1500m with some light flurries. Winds changing to strong from the Southwest.
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday 2 size 3 avalanches were reported in the Southern part of the range. One was a natural on a South aspect and the other a natural cornice triggered on a North aspect. Both avalanches ran on the November 4th crust/facet layer which can be found down 180cm in this area.
Snowpack Summary
Wind slab exists on all aspects in the alpine and treeline.
The early December crust exists below 1800m on all aspects and has as much as 25cm of low density snow above it.
The November 4 facet/crust combo can be found in the alpine down 150 to 250cm. Snowpack depths in the alpine are between 200cm and 300cm.
For an indepth look into the recent weather, current snowpack and our thoughts for the future visit the Forecasters Blog.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Winds have been changing direction over the last few days. Wind slab could exist on all aspects in the treeline and alpine. Sensitivity to triggering will be greatest where wind slab has formed above the recent crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5