Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Blue River, Cariboos, Central Selkirk, Clearwater, Clemina, Dogtooth, East Kakwa, Esplanade, Jordan, Kakwa, McBride, North Columbia, North Monashee, North Selkirk, Premier, Quesnel, Renshaw, Robson, Shuswap.
Fresh and reactive wind slabs may form at treeline and above as westerly winds increase on Tuesday.
Sheltered terrain features will hold the best riding conditions.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Reports over the last 3 days suggest limited reactivity of the settling storm snow to riders. As winds pick up from the west, expect more reactive wind slabs to form near ridgelines on east-facing slopes.
On Saturday, small dry loose avalanches were produced from steep and sheltered terrain features, and size 1-2 wind slabs.
Observations remain limited this early in the season. if you head into the backcountry, please post to the Mountain Information Network!
Snowpack Summary
30-40 cm of settling snow can be found in sheltered terrain features, while exposed areas likely hold wind-affected surfaces at treeline and above.
A crust buried in early November can be found buried 50-90 cm deep. In some places, there may be weak facets, or surface hoar above this crust. While this layer is not currently considered problematic as we have not seen test results or recent avalanches on this layer - observations are currently limited and it may become a concern.
Treeline snowpack depths average 80-150 cm. Many below treeline slopes are above threshold to produce avalanches.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
Mostly clear skies. Westerly winds increasing overnight, reaching 50 km/h at ridgetop. Treeline temperatures around -12 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. Strong westerly winds at ridgetop, 40-60 km/h. Treeline temperatures around -8 °C.
Wednesday
Partly cloudy with isolated flurries. 20-40 km/h westerly ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -12 °C.
Thursday
Cloudy with snowfall favoring the south, 5-15 cm. 20-40 km/h westerly ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -10 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Look for wind affected snow near ridgelines and in unsupported terrain features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2