Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Cariboos.
Strong northeasterly winds have reverse loaded slopes below ridgetops. Recently formed wind slabs may be reactive to human triggers.
Use high points in the terrain such as ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Monday night: Clear / Moderate east wind / Low of -20 / Freezing level valley bottom.
Tuesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light east wind / High of -7 / Freezing level valley bottom.
Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light southeast wind / High of -6 / Freezing level valley bottom.
Thursday: Sunny / Light east wind / High of -4 / Freezing level 1000 m.
Avalanche Summary
Two size 2 wind slab avalanches were remotely triggered by a helicopter from 100 m away on steep, north aspects at treeline on Sunday. The slabs were 80-100 cm deep.
Snowpack Summary
20-50 cm of recent snow buries a melt-freeze crust that exists on all aspects to at least 2000 m. A sun crust likely extends to mountain tops on solar aspects.
Recent strong winds from a variety of directions formed wind slabs on lee aspects at treeline and above.
The prominent layer in the upper snowpack is a melt-freeze crust down 60-80 cm.
Cornices are very large and exposure to slopes beneath them should be minimized, especially if the weather is sunny, warm, or windy.
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Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Avoid steep, rocky, and wind effected areas where triggering slabs is more likely.
- Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
Use high points in the terrain such as ridges or ribs to avoid areas of wind-loaded snow.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2