Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cariboos.
Carefully assess steep lines for wind slab and limit exposure to slopes with cornices above.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Saturday night: possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow at higher elevations. Freezing level falling to 1200 m. Moderate south wind.
Sunday: A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow in the afternoon. Moderate to strong south winds and freezing levels rising to 2500 m.
Monday: 5 to 10 cm of new snow expected at higher elevations with moderate south winds. Freezing level around 2000 m.
Tuesday: A mix of sun and cloud with light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow at higher elevations. Light variable winds and freezing levels around 1900 m.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported in the past few days. We suspect that small pockets of wind slab could be found in the alpine. As the sun comes out small wet loose avalanches are possible.
If you are out in the backcountry please consider filling out a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
Dry snow and pockets of wind slab can still be found on high north facing terrain. The upper snowpack contains several crusts that extend up to mountain tops on solar aspects. Moist snow will likely be observed on solar aspects and at lower elevations.
Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy. The snowpack deteriorates rapidly at lower elevations.
Terrain and Travel
- Minimize your exposure time below cornices.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
Avalanche Problems
Cornices
Cornices may be weak and reactive to human triggers. Give them a wide berth when travelling on ridges. They are a significant hazard alone and may produce large slab avalanches as they fall onto the slope below. Cornice falls are more likely when the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Isolated pockets of rider triggerable wind slab could still be found in the alpine.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5