Avalanche Forecast

High - We are confident about the likelihood of avalanche activity, what is less certain are their possible size.

A storm impacting the region offers a nice refresh of cold snow accompanied by strong wind largely out of the south. For the weekend, a ridge of high pressure will strengthen over the BC interior, which will generate strong outflow winds and residual flurries.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Snow, heavy at time, 10-15 cm / Freezing level at valley bottom / Strong south-southwest wind / Low of -20

FRIDAY: Snow up to 10 cm / Freezing level at valley bottom / Moderate west southwest wind / High of -15

SATURDAY: Snow up 10 cm / Freezing level at valley bottom / Strong west wind / High of -18

SUNDAY: Snow up to 10 cm / Freezing level at valley bottom / Strong west wind / High of -20

Few large (size 2) natural storm slabs avalanches were observed on alpine features around Valemount area on Wednesday.

Evidence of a natural avalanche cycle was observed Tuesday, it likely occurred Sunday/Monday and was limited to steep wind loaded terrain that produced avalanches from size 1.5 to 2.5.

A large persistent slab avalanche was observed in the region on Dec 29. It was believed to have released naturally around 2200 m on a steep northwest facing slope. Since then, there has been no reported persistent slab activity.

The region received up to 10 cm of low-density snow during the day Thursday as the storm is rolling in. This new snow adds up to the previous snow (30-70 cm) that has fallen since Jan 1. 

In open terrain, this snow has been redistributed by strong winds. Observations suggest this snow has been bonding to the older snow layers in most areas, but there are potentially some exceptions, such as western areas near Barkerville where it may sit above a spotty surface hoar layer. There have also been some isolated reports of buried surface hoar layers 30-70 cm deep in the Barkerville area, but no recent evidence that these layers are problematic.

The early December crust sits 80-150 cm deep in the snowpack, with a layer of faceted crystals above. This interface is present in the southeastern Cariboos (e.g. Clearwater to Blue River) but has not been recently reactive.

• Use increased caution at all elevations. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.
• Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
• Choose low-angled, sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.