Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 25th, 2020 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

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Welcome to the winter 2020/2021 forecast season! Watch for reactive storm slabs at upper elevations, and be aware of the potential for larger avalanches due to a crust that was buried in early November.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT- Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries / southwest wind, 20-40 km/h / alpine low temperature near -10

THURSDAY- Increasing cloud, snow beginning in the afternoon, up to 25 cm overnight / southwest wind, 20-45 km/h / alpine high temperature near -5 / Freezing level 1200 m 

FRIDAY- Snow, 15-20 cm / southwest wind, 30-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -5 / Freezing level 1200 m

SATURDAY- A mix of sun and cloud / west wind, 15-20 km/h / alpine high temperature near -7 

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent reports of avalanches in the region, however observations are very limted at this time of year. If you get out into the mountains, please consider sharing your observations on the Mountain Information Network!

Snowpack Summary

10-25 cm of fresh snow has fallen in the Cariboos since Tuesday morning, bringing total recent storm snow amounts to 30-50 cm. There is a crust from early November down approximately 50-90 cm. This crust has been observed with sugary facets above and below it. There are limited observations on this layer, but some test results indicate that it has the potential to be reactive to human triggering. Total snowpack depths are an average of 90-180 cm at upper elevations, tapering quickly at lower elevations. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.
  • If it's deep enough to ride, it's deep enough to slide (avalanche).

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Recent fresh snow has likely formed storm slabs that may be reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

A crust from early November exists down about 50-90 cm, and may have weak sugary facets above and below it. There are very limited observations on this layer in the Cariboos right now, however some recent test results suggest that it has the potential to be triggered by humans.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Valid until: Nov 26th, 2020 4:00PM