As the storm continues, hazard will increase in areas experiencing heavy snowfall, warm temperatures and high winds. Conservative terrain selection with minimal overhead hazard is advised.
Confidence
Low - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
Forecast snowfall amounts vary greatly for the Cariboos, with the highest amounts predicted for the southern portion of the region. MONDAY NIGHT - Flurries, 5-15 cm / moderate south winds / freezing level 1200-1400mTUESDAY - Snow, 5-15 cm / moderate south winds / freezing level 1500-1700mWENESDAY - Cloudy with flurries, up to 5 cm / moderate south winds / freezing level 1500mTHURSDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / light to moderate southwest winds / freezing level 1200-1400m
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanche observations have been reported in the region. This may be due to low numbers of field observations rather than a lack of avalanche activity.
Snowpack Summary
Ongoing snowfall since Sunday night in the Cariboo region brings total recent storm snow amounts to anywhere from 35-50 cm by Tuesday morning. Since the snow is expected to continue through Tuesday, total accumulations could reach 40-65 cm by the end of the day. This new snow is sitting on top of a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes.At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. There have been very limited reports of this layer showing signs of reactivity in the Cariboos, however with strong winds, rising freezing levels and heavy snowfall amounts, this layer could wake up during this storm. Storm snow avalanches may have the potential to trigger large, full depth avalanches on this layer.Snowpack depths taper quickly with elevation.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.