Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 24th, 2012 9:12AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Isolated flurries expected, winds moderate from the south and alpine temperatures near -10.Wednesday: Light precipitation, winds light to moderate from the south and alpine temperatures near -11.Thursday: Isolated flurries, winds light from the southwest and alpine temperatures near -12.

Avalanche Summary

There are no recent significant observations to report at this time. If you are spending any time in the backcountry, send us your observations. Every bit helps. Please send your observations to: forecaster@avalanche.ca

Snowpack Summary

20 - 30 cm of low density storm snow rests on a generally strong midpack. Operators in this region are reporting minimal wind effect in the alpine and at treeline. Persistent and Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them being reactive. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in stability tests.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent southerly and westerly winds have created windslabs in the lee of terrain features.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 25th, 2012 2:00PM