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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 19th, 2022–Dec 20th, 2022

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

Regions

Cariboos, North Rockies, Clearwater, McBride, Quesnel, Sugarbowl, Kakwa, McGregor, Pine Pass, Renshaw, Robson, Tumbler.

This week's cold temperatures and short days can turn even small incidents like broken equipment into a very bad time. Bring lots of warm layers, hot drinks and a headlamp when venturing out.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, a few small wind slabs up to size 1 were released by skiers.

On Saturday, an avalanche was reported via MIN from the Barkerville area. The avalanche looked to be a size 1.5 and be at least 24 hours old.

On Friday, a glide slab avalanche, size 1.5, was observed in the northern Cariboos. The avalanche initiated on a rock slab at treeline. Numerous other glide cracks were observed in the area. Glide slab avalanches are very difficult to forecast, so it is best to avoid travelling under glide cracks.

Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

Cold temperatures are faceting the upper snowpack. 5-10 cm of snow was redistributed by strong northeasterly winds into fresh winds slabs in exposed areas. In very sheltered areas, new snow sits on a weak layer of preserved, 5 mm large surface hoar. Distribution of this weak layer is uncertain.

40-80 cm of snow continues to settle over a generally weak, sugary mid and lower snowpack. Snowpack depths are highly variable, ranging from 80-180 cm in the alpine. Below treeline, the snowpack is thin and sugary, making it a challenge to access terrain in many areas without damaging your sled or skis.

Weather Summary

Monday Night

Clear, 30 km/h easterly wind in the North Rockies and light wind in the Cariboos, temperature low around -35 °C.

Tuesday

Sunny, 20-30 km/h easterly wind in the North Rockies, light northeast wind in the Cariboos, temperature high at -30 °C.

Wednesday

Mainly sunny, 20-40 km/h northeast wind, temperature high around -30 °C.

Thursday

Sunny, up to 20 km/h westerly wind, temperature high around -27 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be especially cautious near rock outcroppings, on steep convexities and anywhere the snowpack feels thinner than average.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • Carefully evaluate bigger terrain features on an individual basis before committing to them.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.