Avalanche forecast

Cariboos

Nov 30 – Dec 1, 2012Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–6
    Although the likelihood of a release is low, the consequences of a persistent slab release could be significant. These layers may wake-up with additional loading.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–4
    New snow and wind forecast for the next few days will add to a developing wind/storm slab problem. The sensitivity of this layer may be higher in some areas due to the possibility of underlying surface hoar.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Moderate snowfall / Moderate southwest winds with strong gusts / Freezing level at 1300mSunday: Light snowfall / Light southerly winds / Freezing level @ 1200m Monday: Light to moderate snowfall / Moderate southerly winds / Freezing level @ 1100m

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported from the region. We welcome all observations at [email protected].

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall accumulations across the region have been highly variable; however, as of Friday some areas had over 30cm overlying a variety of surfaces that formed during last week's dry spell. These surfaces may include well-settled storm snow and surface hoar. Relevant wind data has been extremely limited; however, some information suggests that winds have been in the moderate range. Forecast snow and increased wind values on Friday night and Saturday will add some more punch to this developing storm slab. There may be a thin buried surface hoar layer down about 115 cm. As well, the November rain crust now exists over 125cm down in some locations and may exist in combination with facets. These layers seem to have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with additional loading.Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 140cm and 170cm.Snowpack data is sparse in this region and significant variations likely exist from one drainage to another. In short, digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at [email protected].

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