Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 26th, 2014–Dec 27th, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Cariboos.

Conservative decision making and disciplined terrain use is the name of the game when these tricky avalanche conditions persist. Check out the new Forecaster Blog @ avalanche.ca.

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

A weak system will slide down the coast and start to affect the Interior on Saturday bringing snowfall amounts 10-20cm. Ridgetop winds will be light-moderate from the west, switching to a northerly flow by Sunday. Alpine temperatures will hover around -15 then drop to -18 later Sunday. Conditions will remain cold and dry through Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity has tapered off and skier/ rider triggered avalanches are the name of the game. On Thursday several skier triggered avalanches size 1 were reported. These failed on the buried surface hoar layer 45 cm down on NE aspects in between 1400-1600 m.

Snowpack Summary

A cohesive slab (40-80 cm) sits above a touchy surface hoar layer that was buried mid-December. Below 2100 m this slab sits on a thick, solid crust/ surface hoar combination and has been acting as a perfect sliding layer. Persistent slabs will be very touchy to the weight of a skier and rider, especially in wind effected areas. A hard rain crust with facets from early November is buried over 1 m down and is currently unreactive, however; triggering from shallow rocky and unsupported terrain remains a concern.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

A very touchy surface hoar layer is buried by a 40-80 cm thick persistent slab. This layer is widespread, and is easily triggered by skiers and riders. Remote triggering with wide propagation remains a concern.

Stick to simple terrain, small features with limited consequence and be aware of what is above you at all times.>Use conservative route selection, dig down and test weak layers before committing.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 5

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can be found on leeward slopes and behind terrain features.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3