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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 30th, 2011–Dec 31st, 2011

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Cariboos.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

One last pulse out of the recent active weather system will affect the region Friday evening before a strong ridge of high pressure anchors itself over Eastern BC for the weekend. Skies clear and cooler temperatures pervade under the ridge which will bring freezing levels down to valley bottom. On Saturday you can expect moderate winds out of the W and a daytime high of -9 with overnight lows dropping slightly to -12. A weakening system slides into the region Monday bringing light precipitation and cloudy skies.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous avalanches from size 1 - 2 have been observed at all 3 elevation bands (BTL, TL, ALP), with failures occurring within the recent storm snow. Interesting to note that a size 3 was observed below treeline in the region yesterday, I suspect the mid December Surface Hoar was to blame.

Snowpack Summary

70-100 cm of total storm snow has fallen since Christmas. Winds have redistributed the storm snow into wind slabs that are widespread in the alpine. Wind slabs can also be found in wind exposed areas at and below treeline. The mid December surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 80-100cm deep and remains a concern for backcountry users. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but it remains a concern as incremental loading gradually adds more weight to this weak layer. Slopes that have not avalanched in the last week are of particular concern for this persistent weakness. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.