Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 5th, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ghelgeson,
Avalanche Canada
Watch for the formation of fresh wind slabs in exposed terrain as southwest wind picks up ahead of the next storm. The best riding and lowest hazard can be found in wind sheltered terrain where the snow remains soft.
Summary
Confidence
Low - Uncertainty is due to the timing, track, & intensity of the incoming weather system.
Weather Forecast
A storm impacting the region offers a nice refresh of cold snow accompanied by strong wind largely out of the south.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, trace of snow possible, light variable wind.
THURSDAY: Overcast, freezing level at valley bottom, strong south/southwest wind, snow beginning in the morning, 1 to 5 cm expected during the day with another 2 to 8 cm expected Thursday night.
FRIDAY: Overcast, freezing level at valley bottom, strong west/southwest wind, 1 to 5 cm of snow possible.
SATURDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, strong west wind, 1 to 5 cm of snow possible.
Avalanche Summary
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.
On the weekend, several small (size 1-1.5) natural and skier triggered wind slabs were reported near ridgelines on alpine slopes. One cornice fall triggered a small wind slab on the slope below.Â
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.
Snowpack Summary
30-70 cm of low density snow 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.
Terrain and Travel
- The best and safest riding will be on slopes that have soft snow without any slab properties.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Time and cold temperatures are likely tempering reactivity of wind slabs formed over the weekend, but a fresh round of wind slabs may form Thursday as southwest wind picks up ahead of the next storm.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 6th, 2022 4:00PM
