Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2017 3:31PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Seek the shade for the best and safest riding.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Sunny with valley cloud. Light wind. Freezing level near 3300 m with a colder air layer in the valleys.SATURDAY: Sunny with valley cloud. Light wind. Freezing level near 3000 m with a colder air layer in the valleys.SUNDAY: Cloudy, with a few flurries possible. Moderate to strong south-west winds. Freezing level near 2500 m. More details can be found on the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Some small loose natural avalanches were reported on Wednesday in the south of the region with the start of the warming. Overall, we have very limited data. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Intense warming is melting upper snowpack layers, particularly on steep sunny slopes. Warming also has the potential to wake up more deeply buried weak layers which formed during November's rainfall. We have limited information about the nature of these buried crusts, but tests in the south of the region suggest they are bonding reasonably well there.Below treeline, the snowpack is shallow--look out for early season hazards like open creeks and tree stumps.

Problems

Loose Wet

Intense warmth at alpine and treeline elevations is expected to trigger avalanches on steep, sunny slopes.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Choose well supported terrain without convexities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Intense warming could wake up deeply buried weak layers. Limited field information is increasing our uncertainty, so a conservative approach makes sense.

Minimize exposure to steep slopes on warm or sunny days.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2017 2:00PM