Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cariboos.
Carefully assess the wind slab hazard as you gain elevation in search of dry snow. Recent strong Southwest and west winds have redistributed snow in treeline and alpine.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Friday night: No new snow expected. Low of -15 at 1500m and light to moderate Southwest winds.
Saturday: some light snow, up too 5cm with light to moderate Northwest winds in the alpine. High of -12 at 1500m.
Sunday: high of -11 at 1500m, moderate Northwest winds in the alpine and some light precipitation in the evening.
Monday: high of -12 at 1500m with no new snow expected. Alpine winds will be moderate to strong from the Northwest.
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 slabs will still be found in exposed terrain in the treeline and alpine. A new crust has formed from recent rain and high freezing levels, we expect this crust exists below 1700m.
Snowpack depths are currently around 100 cm below treeline, and shrink rapidly below 1600m. Alpine snowpacks are expected to be 160 to 250 with the deepest snowpacks found around Blue River and Valemont.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs in the treeline and alpine will remain reactive to rider traffic. Use extra caution near ridgelines.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5