Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 13th, 2017 4:10PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Wind effect continues to drive the avalanche danger in many areas. The safest, and best, riding may be in lower elevation terrain sheltered from the wind.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

SATURDAY: Dry with cloud building in the afternoon, 30-40 km/h southwest winds, alpine temperatures around -15 C.SUNDAY: Flurries with trace accumulations, 30-50 km/h southwest winds, alpine temperatures around -10 C.MONDAY: Flurries with 5-10 cm of new snow, 40-60 km/h southwest winds, alpine temperatures around -3 C.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 1-1.5 naturally-triggered wind slabs have been reported in the Valemount area over the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

Recent new snow has been redistributed by moderate to strong southwest and more recent northerly winds in exposed upper areas. In deeper snowpack parts of the region, the mid-December facet layer lies up to 120 cm below the surface. In these areas professionals feel this layer has generally gained considerable strength. In shallower areas, particularly those in the southeast (Allen Creek), North (Sugarbowl) and likely some western areas around Quesnel and Barkerville, the snowpack is likely a lot more suspect, with a thicker, more pronounced facet layer buried only 50-60 cm below the surface. In shallow snowpack areas like those, I'd carefully investigate this interface before pushing into steeper terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting winds have resulted in touchy wind slabs on many aspects in exposed alpine and treeline areas.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff or slabby.Be alert to conditions that change with aspect and elevation.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This layer has gained strength in many areas, but triggering an avalanche on facets buried in mid-December may still be possible in shallow snowpack parts of the region. Dig down and test for weaknesses before committing to larger terrain features.

Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 14th, 2017 2:00PM