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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 29th, 2021–Dec 30th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Cariboos.

Newly formed wind slabs may be touchy. Carefully evaluate steep terrain features.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, 30 to 60 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -22 C.

THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries and afternoon clearing, trace accumulation, 10 to 20 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -21 C.

FRIDAY: Clear skies with no precipitation, 20 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -22 C.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, 50 to 80 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -15 C.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been observed in the Cariboos. It is suspected that wind slabs will be triggerable by riders on Thursday.

We'd appreciate if you submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network, even just a photo.

Snowpack Summary

A bit of new snow and strong wind are likely to form new wind slabs in exposed terrain Wednesday night. These slabs will overly previously wind-affected snow, sugary faceted grains, or surface hoar. 

A weak layer of feathery surface hoar may be found around 20 to 50 cm deep. It is most likely to be found in sheltered alpine features, around treeline, or open features below treeline. Although we haven't received reports of this layer being a concern, it has been noted in neighbouring regions.

Sugary faceted grains above and below the early-December melt-freeze crust is around 60 to 100 cm deep. The layer exists up to around 2000 m. This layer is spatially variable, with many areas showing good bonding to the crust whereas others still being of concern. Learn more about how to manage this problem here.

Terrain and Travel

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.