Cariboos

Fresh, reactive wind slabs are brewing 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 may form fresh, reactive wind slabs on Monday.

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

Up to 15 cm of new snow covers 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 70 cm down and is present up to about 2200 m.

The average snow depths at treeline elevation are anywhere 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.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy. Trace to 3 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Monday

Mostly cloudy. 2 to 10 cm of snow at treeline. 30 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -8 °C.

Tuesday

Mix of sun and clouds. Trace to 5 cm of snow at treeline. 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -6 °C.

Wednesday

Mostly cloudy. Trace to 6 cm of snow at treeline. 15 to 40 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -5 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

• Watch for signs of slab formation throughout the day.
• Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
• Be cautious of buried obstacles, especially below treeline.