Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 31st, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada mconlan, Avalanche Canada

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Cariboos.

Recent snow will require some time to bond to the snowpack, particularly where it overlies weak layers.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, 20 to 30 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -14 C.

TUESDAY: Partly cloudy with no precipitation, 20 to 30 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -20 C.

WEDNESDAY: Increasing clouds with afternoon snowfall, accumulation 1 to 3 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -20 C.

THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 30 to 50 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -12 C.

Avalanche Summary

The recent snow was found to be reactive to riders on Sunday below treeline, generally releasing as sluffing in steep terrain. We await observations from higher elevations with lifting clouds.

Looking forward, human-triggering of avalanches may remain elevated, particularly where the recent snow overlies surface hoar.

Snowpack Summary

The weekend's storm brought around 30 to 40 cm of snow, forming new storm slabs. The snow fell with strong wind from variable wind directions, forming wind slabs in lee terrain features. In areas sheltered from the wind, the snow overlies weak surface hoar crystals, which may also sit above a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes.

The lower snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded.

Terrain and Travel

  • Good day to make conservative terrain choices.
  • Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Around 30 cm of recent snow has formed slabs that are expected to remain reactive to riders. The snow overlies weak surface hoar, faceted grains, or a hard melt-freeze crust. Expect touchy storm slabs in areas sheltered from the wind and wind slabs in exposed terrain at higher elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 1st, 2022 4:00PM

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