Avalanche Forecast

Moderate

Ski cutting have produced storm slab avalanches up to size 1.5. These avalanches have been at treeline and generally failing on one of the shallower surface hoar layers.

Large human and remotely triggered avalanches continue to occur in neighboring regions. These avalanches are generally occurring at or above treeline and are failing on the surface hoar layer from early December.

Check out this MIN from our field team describing snowpack tests in the Cariboo's near Valemont.

20 to 40 cm of recent snow has been redistributed into wind slab on north and east aspects near ridge crests. This may have buried a layer of surface hoar in wind-sheltered terrain. Below treeline a new crust has likely formed on the surface.

A crust formed during the early December rain event exists down roughly 30 to 60 cm from the surface and is highly variable in strength and thickness throughout the terrain. A concerning layer of buried surface hoar is 50 to 100 cm below the surface at treeline and above.

Friday Night

Partially cloudy with trace amounts of new snow expected, northwest alpine wind 20 to 30 km/h, freezing level falling to valley bottom.

Saturday

Mostly sunny with no new snow expected, south alpine wind 10 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -8°C.

Sunday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow expected, southeast alpine wind 10 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -10°C.

Monday

A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of new snow expected, southeast alpine wind 10 to 25 km/h, treeline temperature -10°C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
• Carefully assess open slopes and convex rolls where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
• Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.