Wind slabs may be found on all aspects due to changing wind directions.
Confidence
Moderate - Wind effect is extremely variable
Weather Forecast
High overcast tonight with moderate northeast winds and alpine lows close to -25. Cloud developing on Friday as the winds become strong from the southeast. Expect some light flurries by evening. Overcast and continued cold on Saturday with moderate southwest winds and a few cm of new snow. Cold and overcast with moderate westerly winds on Sunday.
Avalanche Summary
There are no new reports of avalanche activity.
Snowpack Summary
Last weekend's storm system brought 40-60cm of new snow to the southern part of the region with strong southwest wind in the alpine. The wind during the storm and more recent northerly wind has redistributed the storm snow forming wind slabs in alpine and tree line lees. The mid-November crust appears to typically be down 1-1.5m in the south of the region, and around 80cm down in the north of the region. Test results on this layer suggest the crust is generally well bonded in the Cariboos region. However, test results from the North Columbia region suggest there may be an isolated weakness associated with this layer and it has professionals concerned. It will be important to track how this layer evolves, especially with the current cold weather.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind 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.