Tune in to the character of our newest layer of snow as you travel. Areas with thicker slabs are more likely to be reactive.
Confidence
Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, snow accumulation of 1 to 3 cm, moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -10 C, freezing level at valley bottom.TUESDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries, snow accumulation around 5 cm, moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level at 800 m.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries, snow accumulation of 1 to 3 cm, light to moderate winds from northwest, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level at 1100 m.THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, moderate winds from west, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level at 900 m.
Avalanche Summary
We have had minimal reports of avalanche activity in the Cariboos. However, given roughly similar snowpack characteristics of the neighboring North Columbias, it is reasonable to expect size 1 to 2 storm slab and wind slab avalanches
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of new snow from the weekend continues to settle above a layer of large surface hoar crystals and sun crusts. At higher elevations, strong southerly winds during and immediately after the storm have moved the snow and formed deeper deposits on lee slopes. New snow deposits that overlie sun crust on steep, south-facing slopes may be especially touchy.At lower elevations, the new snow has been settling into a thin but reactive slabs. Reactivity is most notable at elevations between about 1500-1800 metres, where surface hoar was particularly well-developed. The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.
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.