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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 2nd, 2021–Jan 3rd, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Cariboos.

New snow and wind continue to add load to a reactive weak layer of surface hoar. Human triggered avalanches are likely at all elevations on Sunday; especially in the areas surrounding Valemount.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations. Forecast precipitation (either snow or rain) amounts are uncertain.

Weather Forecast

  

SATURDAY NIGHT: Snow; 5-10 cm. / Strong, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -10 / Freezing level 800 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Moderate, west ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -5 / Freezing level 1200 m.

MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -8 / Freezing level 800 m.

TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light, southwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -7 / Freezing level 900 m.

Avalanche Summary

New snow and wind may continue to overload a weak layer of surface hoar that has been observed in the areas surrounding Valemount. Large human triggered avalanches are likely on Sunday.

Data in this region is sparse. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network. 

Snowpack Summary

Another layer of large surface hoar was reported in the areas surrounding Valemount and has now been buried by new snow. 

An active weak layer is now down 30 to 70 cm. The distribution of this layer is variable. In some areas it's surface hoar and/or a crust; in others this layer may be difficult to find if it exists at all. Recent human triggered avalanches have been reported on this layer and have been most numerous in the areas surrounding Valemount.

There is a prominent crust near the base of the snowpack. This crust likely has weak facets above and/or below it. There have been no recent avalanches reported on this layer, but would be most likely to trigger in steep, shallow, rocky terrain, with a thin to thick snowpack.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
  • Surface hoar distribution is highly variable. Avoid generalizing your observations.
  • Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
  • Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.
  • Avoid traveling in runout zones. Avalanches have the potential to run to the valley floor.

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.