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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 1st, 2022–Feb 2nd, 2022
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Cariboos.

Recent snow may sit on a touchy weak layer. Assess for slab properties and travel conservatively.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Clear skies with no precipitation, 10 to 20 km/h north wind, alpine temperature -22 C.

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 2 to 5 cm, 20 to 40 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -17 C.

THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 5 to 15 cm, 30 to 50 km/h west wind, alpine temperature -12 C.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 20 cm, 40 to 60 km/h southwest wind, alpine temperature -7 C.

Avalanche Summary

Some storm and wind slabs were observed on Monday, often failing on the surface hoar crystals described in the snowpack summary. For areas where the recent snow has not formed a cohesive slab, small loose dry avalanches were observed. 

Looking forward to the coming days, slab avalanche activity is expected to increase once the recent snow settles and forms a cohesive slab. Human triggering remains elevated, particularly where the snow sits on the surface hoar described in the snowpack summary.

Snowpack Summary

Around 30 to 50 cm of recent snow overlies weak surface hoar crystals in areas sheltered from the wind, which may also sit above a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes. The snow has consolidated and formed storm slabs in some areas and is expected to remain touchy to riders for some time. Expect to find wind slabs in lee terrain features at higher elevations.

The lower snowpack is generally strong and well-bonded.

Terrain and Travel

  • Good day to make conservative terrain choices.
  • Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
  • Potential for wide propagation exists, fresh slabs may rest on surface hoar, facets and/or crust.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Around 30 to 50 cm of recent snow sits above a widespread layer of weak surface hoar crystals, particularly in terrain features sheltered from the wind. Once this snow forms a cohesive slab, slab avalanches will be touchy. In steep areas where a slab hasn't formed, loose dry avalanches may result. The snow has also been blown into wind slabs in exposed terrain at high elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2