Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 1st, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
wlewis,
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche danger will increase over the day as new snow and strong winds form reactive slabs over a weak snow surface. Approach wind loaded features with caution.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
An active front shifts south bringing moderate snowfall with very strong winds.
SATURDAY NIGHT: Continued light snowfall, 10cm with strong to extreme southwest winds.
SUNDAY: Moderate southeast winds increase over the day to strong southerlies. 5-15cm possible over the day. Alpine high of -15.
MONDAY: Up to 10cm of snow, tapering off in the afternoon. Alpine high of -10 with light southerly winds.
TUESDAY: Chance of flurries with light southeast winds. Alpine high of -15.
Avalanche Summary
Loose dry natural avalanches to size 1.5 were observed yesterday, caused by the continued cold and clear weather weakening snow on the surface.
A persistent slab avalanche was observed in the region on Wednesday. It is believed to have released naturally within the last few days. It initiated around 2200 m on a steep northwest aspect. Limited information is not available due to poor visibility.
We'd appreciate if you submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network, even just a photo.
Snowpack Summary
Strong south/southwest winds and light snowfall will continue to form new slabs over the day with deeper deposits on north and east facing slopes. This load will be deposited on weak and wind effected surfaces - expect a poor bond and reactive conditions.
Another weak layer of feathery surface hoar may be found around 20 to 50 cm deep. It is most likely found in sheltered terrain features in the lower alpine and treeline, or open features below treeline (such as cut blocks). Although we haven't received reports of this layer being a concern, it has been noted in neighbouring regions.
The early December crust sits 60-100cm deep in the snowpack up to 2000m, with a layer of weak and faceted crystals above. This layer of loose and sugary snow is causing large destructive avalanches in other regions. This layer is spatially variable in the Cariboos and may only be a problem in select parts of the region. Read more about it here.
Terrain and Travel
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
- Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs will build with continued snowfall over the day. Sustained strong south/southwest winds will create deeper deposits in wind loaded features further downslope than you may expect.
Reactive slabs are expected as new snow falls over weak crystals and wind effected surfaces. Larger avalanches could be triggered in the treeline where wind slab has formed over surface hoar.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2022 4:00PM
