Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2011 9:23AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Light snow. Strong westerly winds. Freezing level near 1000m.Wednesday: Moderate snow. Moderate to strong west to south-west winds. Freezing level around 1300m.Thursday: Moderate to heavy snow. Moderate to strong west to south-west winds. Lowering freezing level.We are in a challenging period for weather forecasting. Check out the Forecaster's Blog for more information on this and how it affects the avalanche forecasts.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm snow seems to be settling and strengthening. Any loose available snow continues to be redistributed by southwest winds. Wind slabs with the potential to propagate widely exist in the alpine, particularly on north through east aspects. At treeline and below, pockets of wind slab also exist in open areas. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 40- 80cm deep. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but it remains a concern as snow-loading gradually builds this week. Sudden ('pops') type results were observed on this layer earlier in the week.A sun crust is also buried in the alpine on some steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs exist on lee and cross-loaded features and are expected to build further over the next few days.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A cohesive slab sits over a weakness buried in mid-December. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed down, but it could reawaken as new snow loading builds up.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2011 8:00AM