Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2019 4:43PM

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

dboucher, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Storm snow may not bond well to underlying crusts and surface hoar. It is a good day to dial back your terrain choices.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with scattered flurries, snow accumulation of 5 cm, moderate to strong south winds, alpine temperature -7 C, freezing level at 1000 m.SATURDAY: Flurries, snow accumulation of 5 to 10 cm, strong to extreme southwest winds, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level at 700 m.SUNDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -9 C, freezing level at 800 m.MONDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, light to moderate west winds, alpine temperature -10 C, freezing level at valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Wednesday and Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Snowfalls continuing overnight Friday and Saturday will lead up to a total of 15 to 20 cm. This new snow is accumulating over a variety of surfaces including a sun crust on solar aspects at treeline and above, faceted dry snow on north aspects and surface hoar up to 15 mm developed in sheltered and shaded areas at all elevation. Wind slabs are also developing on north aspects in the alpine and at treeline.The middle and lower portions of the snowpack are generally well-settled and strong.

Problems

Storm Slabs

The new snow likely won't bond well to underlying surfaces at all elevations. Strong south winds may build even touchier slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain.

Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, cracking and recent avalanches.Be cautious in open terrain features, such as cutblocks, gullies, and cutbanks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2019 2:00PM