Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 27th, 2018 4:19PM

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

kdevine, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

The storm may be winding down, but avalanche hazard will remain heightened for now. Conservative terrain selection is recommended.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with flurries, up to 5 cm / moderate southwest winds / freezing level 1200-1300mWEDNESDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries, up to 5 cm / moderate southwest winds / freezing level 1400-1500mTHURSDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / light to moderate south to west winds / freezing level 1000mFRIDAY - A mix of sun and cloud, no new snow / freezing level 800-1000m

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche observations have been reported in the region. This may be due to low numbers of field observations rather than a lack of avalanche activity.

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing snowfall since Sunday night in the Cariboo region brings total recent storm snow amounts to anywhere from 40-70cm cm by Wednesday morning. This new snow is sitting on top of a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes.At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. There have been very limited reports of this layer showing signs of reactivity in the Cariboos, however with recent winds, high freezing levels and new snow, this layer could come into play. Storm snow avalanches may have the potential to trigger large, full depth avalanches on this layer.Snowpack depths taper quickly with elevation.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Widespread storm slabs sit on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), and sun crust on steep south facing slopes. Anticipate deep deposits of snow on this layer in wind loaded areas.

Be extra cautious around sheltered openings near treeline where surface hoar may be most prominent.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.If triggered, the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 28th, 2018 2:00PM