Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Regions
Cariboos.
Confidence
Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain
Weather Forecast
Friday: Light to moderate snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1400mSaturday: Moderate to locally heavy snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1300mSunday: Light snowfall / Light southerly winds / Freezing level at 1100m
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported from the region. We welcome all observations at [email protected].
Snowpack Summary
Based on limited data streams, it appears as though the region received up to 15cm of new snow on Wednesday night. Relevant wind information has also been extremely limited; however, some data points suggest that winds were in the moderate (enough to transport snow) range. Forecast snow and increased wind values will add some more punch to this newly developing storm slab. This new slab sits over a variety of old surfaces which most likely include well settled storm snow from last week and surface hoar.There may be a thin buried surface hoar layer down about 95 cm. As well, the November rain crust now exists over 110cm down in some locations and may exist in combination with facets. These layers seems to have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with additional loading.Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 125cm and 150cm.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Persistent Slabs
Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.