Avalanche Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries; 3-5 cm. / Light, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine low temperature -13 / Freezing level valley bottom.

FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Strong, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -8 / Freezing level valley bottom.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries; 0-3 cm. / Light, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -11 / Freezing level valley bottom.

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Moderate, northwest ridgetop wind / alpine high temperature -15 / Freezing level valley bottom.

Touchy storm slabs are sitting on a very weak layer of surface hoar which is likely to be reactive to human triggers. Avalanches may be larger than expected due to the presence of this weak layer. Here is an example of a natural storm slab propagating wider than usual due to this weak layer.

A MIN report from just outside this region in Clemina Creek likely represents the surface hoar layer of concern that we suspect is present in much of the Cariboos. Report HERE.

Note: We currently have very few observations from this region. Please consider sharing what you see by submitting a MIN report.

Southwest switching to northwesterly winds may form reactive wind slabs on a variety of aspects at treeline and above.

40-60 cm. of recent snow is sitting on a very reactive weak layer of surface hoar which has potential to surprise backcountry users by how easily it may be triggered and how wide the persistent slabs propagate across slopes. Recent avalanches on this layer have primarily been reported at treeline and below.

A second weak of layer of surface hoar from mid January is down around 70-110 cm. and is most prevalent in sheltered, open slopes at treeline and below. 

Deep persistent weak layers can still be found in the lower snowpack. These weak layers are most likely to be triggered from rocky areas with a shallow or thin to thick snowpack.

• Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
• Use conservative route selection. Choose simple, low-angle, well-supported terrain with no overhead hazard.
• Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
• Be aware of the potential for human triggerable storm slabs at lower elevations, even on small features.
• Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.