Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cariboos.
There is uncertainty with the presence and reactivity of several buried weak layers. Best to adopt a conservative approach while the snowpack adjusts to the increased load from recent snowfalls.
Confidence
Moderate - Recent weather patterns have resulted in a high degree of snowpack variability within the region.
Weather Forecast
Sunday Night: Cloudy periods, alpine temperature -7, light to moderate northwest wind.
Monday: Mix of sun and clouds, alpine temperature -6, moderate northwest wind.
Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud, alpine temperature -7, light west wind.
Wednesday: Cloudy with isolated flurries, alpine temperature -8, light west wind.
Avalanche Summary
There have only been a handful of snowpack and weather observations from this area. Natural storm slab avalanches to size 1.5 were observed in the region on Friday. There was more than likely a natural avalanche cycle that coincided with snowfall late in the week.
Snowpack Summary
40-80 cm of new snow fell over the past week. All this new snow sits on top of a thick layer of faceted crystals, previously wind-affected surfaces, and/or surface hoar (feathery crystals) in sheltered areas around treeline and below.
A layer of surface hoar may be found in sheltered areas around treeline down 60-90 cm.
A variety of crusts from late October are buried deeper in the snowpack.
Avalanche Problems
Storm Slabs
25-45 cm of new snow accumulating late last week has formed a reactive storm slab. In some areas this may be sitting on a layer of weak surface hoar.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Persistent Slabs
A surface hoar/crust layer, down 60-90 cm may be found in some parts of the region. This layer is most likely found in sheltered openings.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5