Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2017 3:24PM

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.

Recent wind and snow has likely left wind slabs at higher elevations. Observations from this region are limited, so it's critical to supplement this forecast with your own observations.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, moderate northwest wind, alpine temperatures around -14 C.MONDAY: Light flurries, moderate to strong northwest wind, alpine temperatures around -8 C.TUESDAY: Cloudy, moderate northwest wind, alpine temperatures warming to -6 C.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported in this region the past few days. This may speak to a lack of observations rather than actual conditions. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall amounts vary throughout the region with roughly 20 cm in the north and up to 60 cm in the southeast of the region near Blue River. At higher elevations, southerly winds likely redistributed the new snow and formed wind slabs on lee features. Below the recent storm snow you may find crusts that formed during the rain events in late November. Little is known about depth, distribution, or reactivity of these crusts. Reports suggest the snow depth is over 200 cm in the alpine, 100-150 cm at treeline, and decreasing rapidly below treeline where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Lingering slabs may still be reactive to human triggers on the downwind side of ridges and gullies.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Choose well supported terrain without convexities.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Not much is known about the reactivity of crusts lurking in the snowpack. This uncertainty warrants conservative terrain selection, as an avalanche on one of these interfaces could be large and destructive.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2017 2:00PM