Watch for fresh wind slabs forming near ridgelines in the alpine and at treeline.
Uncertainty exists over buried weak layers in the south of the region.
Watch for wind slabs near ridgelines and mid slope rollovers, small amounts of new snow may build fresh and reactive deposits. In southern areas, slabs may step down to deeper buried layers.
Wind affected features continue to be reactive to human triggering at higher elevations.
The reactivity and distribution of the early December persistent layers are not well understood in this region. Reports indicate it may become an issue in the far south. Last reported avalanches on this layer occurred on a west-facing slope at 2200 m near Revelstoke on Saturday. This layer is likely most triggerable in areas where the snowpack is thinner, and sheltered from wind.
Light amounts of snow continue to accumulate, falling on wind affected settling storm snow or a melt freeze crust on previously sun affected slopes.
A layer of surface hoar, crust or facets (or a combination) exists 50-100 cm deep. Reports indicate this layer is hard to find and not a concern north of Highway 5. In terrain closer to Revelstoke, this layer has shown reactivity to remote triggers on west facing slopes at 2200 m. Reactivity is not well understood at this time, as no further avalanches have been reported. Surface hoar is most likely preserved in large, open sheltered slopes at treeline.
HS at treeline measures 120-150 cm. Cornices may be large, and weakened from mild temperatures.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy with up to 10 cm of snow for the Cariboos, 5 cm for the North Columbias. 30 to 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with another 5 cm of snow possible. 30 to 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy with another 5 to 10 cm of snow possible. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.
Friday
Clearing skies. 20 to 30 km/h south ridgetop winds. Treeline temperatures around -8 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
