Cariboos

Small pockets of reactive storm and wind slabs continue to form up high. Down low, early-season terrain is a rugged maze—plan your access wisely.

No recent avalanches have been reported, but observations are limited at this time of year. New snow and wind have likely formed fresh, reactive wind slabs at treeline and above.

Let us know what you are seeing by posting a MIN if you are heading out in the backcountry!

Roughly 20 cm of new snow has buried faceted snow or surface hoar in sheltered areas, firm wind-affected snow in open areas, and a thin sun crust on steep solar aspects. A supportive melt-freeze crust from mid-November is buried 40 to 80 cm deep and extends up to about 2200 m.

The average snow depth at treeline elevation ranges from 70 to 100 cm.

Below treeline, the snowpack tapers significantly. Watch out for variable snow conditions and quality—early-season hazards such as open creeks, rocks, and stumps are abundant.

Monday Night
Mostly cloudy. 5 to 15 cm of snow at treeline. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 to 2 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday
Mix of sun and clouds. 3 to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

Thursday
Mix of sun and clouds. 10 to 15 cm of snow at treeline. 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
• Dial back your terrain choices if you are seeing more than 20 cm of new snow.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.