Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2012 9:32AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Saturday: Light snowfalls overnight as a ridge of high pressure remains over the region. Strong Southwest winds tonight becoming very strong as an upper trough moves into the region during the day. Expect 15-20 cms during the afternoon and evening on Saturday.Sunday: Another weaker pulse of precipitation is expected to be combined with moderate to strong Southwest winds. Freezing levels should remain at valley bottoms.Monday: A strong frontal system will cross the region spreading moderate to heavy precipitation. Freezing levels may rise to just above valley bottoms.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported for this region. Due to our limited observations for this region at this time, your avalanche observations are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca

Snowpack Summary

Windslabs should grow slightly tonight in specific areas (Easterly aspects) in the alpine and at treeline with the forecasted light precipitations, moderate winds and the older snow available for transport. The new snow is also burying some older slightly deeper windslabs in sheltered areas. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. The deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and early November crust) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack are still a concern in this region, however, it is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region at this time. Digging down and making your own observations will be critical to safe slope selection. Any observations from the field are welcome at forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Expect buried windslabs in sheltered area and newly formed windslabs in exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded gullies below ridge crests.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

The early November rain crust continues to give results in snow pit tests, however it has not been active.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2012 2:00PM