Buried weak layers are an unusual feature of the snowpack in this region.
Choose conservative terrain and avoid steep or large open slopes.
Explosives have produced avalanches on the weak facets above the mid November crust. Buried weak layers are most likely to be triggered by large loads such as cornice falls or riders where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
On Sunday, explosive control near Kamloops produced several size 2 persistent slab avalanches on the November crust.
Last week two additional persistent avalanches were reported, one explosive triggered and one with an unknown trigger. While uncertainty exists over the distribution of this layer, it is most likely triggered by heavy loads.
High elevations may hold dry, wind affected storm snow sitting over a thin rain crust. Lower elevations affected by Monday's rain likely hold a surface crust, especially throughout the south of the region.
A mid November melt–freeze crust with surface hoar and/or faceted grains lies 40–80 cm below the snow surface. Another crust and facet combination from late October can be found at the base of the snowpack.
Snow depths at treeline vary from about 50 to 100 cm and decrease rapidly at lower elevations.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. 2 to 5 cm of snow. 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Tuesday
Mostly cloudy. 1 cm of snow. 40 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -4 °C. Freezing level 1300 m.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy. 10 to 20 cm of snow. 50 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -3 °C. Freezing level 1500 m.
Thursday
Mostly cloudy. 4 to 10 cm of snow. 40 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C. Freezing level 600 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
