Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2013 9:17AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Variable snowfall amounts are expected across the region. Danger ratings are set for areas with strong winds and 20-30 cm snow overnight.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Wednesday

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night/ Wednesday: Strong SW wind. Alpine temperature near -8. 20-30 cm snow.Thursday: Light N wind. Alpine temperature near -12. No precipitation.Friday: Light W wind. Alpine temperature near -16. No precipitation.

Avalanche Summary

A couple of small (size 1-1.5) storm slabs were observed on Monday. The size and frequency of avalanches is likely to increase with storm snow and wind loading.

Snowpack Summary

New snow is developing into slabs, with a weak bond to old snow surfaces including surface hoar (at and below treeline) and facets. By Wednesday morning, storm snow totals could be 80-90 cm in some areas, leading to the potential for deep and destructive storm snow avalanches. In wind-affected areas, wind slabs have formed behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm snow is building up over a weak interface with the old snow surface. Winds are also creating deep wind slabs behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. Destructive avalanches are possible.

Stick to simple terrain and be aware of what is above you at all times.>Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended without advanced training and extensive experience.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 6

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2013 2:00PM