Avalanche forecast

Cariboos

Jan 8 – 9, 2013Avalanche Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
Open full map

Highlights

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

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–6
    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.

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.

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.

Regions covered