Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 23rd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Give the storm snow time to gain strength before stepping into bigger terrain. Expect deeper and more reactive deposits in wind loaded features as you move to higher elevations.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
The trough exits the province, leaving flurries in its wake. Arctic air will begin to push South into the interior creating frigid winter conditions that will see the Cariboos through Christmas.
THURSDAY NIGHT: Chance of flurries overnight with light southerly winds. Trace accumulations expected.
FRIDAY: Partly cloudy skies with flurries over the day, trace accumulations. Winds remain light from the west. Alpine high of -15.
SATURDAY: Partly cloudy with light snowfall, up to 5cm over the day. Winds switch to northeast and remain light. Alpine high of -20.
SUNDAY: Some cloud with trace accumulations. Moderate easterly winds, and alpine highs of -25.
Avalanche Summary
Few avalanches observations have been reported due to poor visibility throughout the region. A natural avalanche cycle is expected to have occurred throughout the heavy snowfall received on Wednesday, at alpine and upper treeline elevations.
If you go out in the mountains, please submit your findings and photos through a Mountain Information Network report.
Snowpack Summary
25-40cm of very light new snow has fallen this week. Recent strong alpine wind have created wind slabs in the alpine and open areas at treeline.
A concerning facet/crust layer, developed in early December, is now buried between 60-100 cm down. This layer generally exists below 1800 m and is most concerning in the area west of Blue River. In some places, the crust starts to decompose and show variable test results.
Terrain and Travel
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
- Don't be too cavalier with decision making, storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
Problems
Storm Slabs
25-40cm of snow has fallen this week at lower elevations and in sheltered terrain. As you gain elevation and move into wind effected terrain, expect to find deeper deposits.
These soft slabs will be easily triggered by riders, especially in loaded features lee to the southwest.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer of facets can be found above a crust from early December, which is now down 80 to 150 cm.
This layer combination is most concerning in the terrain West of Blue River at treeline elevations.
This persistent weak layer has shown inconsistent test results, making it challenging to forecast. Avoid likely trigger spots such as steep convex slopes, and areas where the snowpack tapers rapidly from thick to thin.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 24th, 2021 4:00PM
