Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2016 3:46PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

Recently formed storm slabs are expected to be reactive to human-triggering on Sunday. Conservative terrain selection is critical and it is best to avoid recently wind loaded areas. If the sun comes out, use extra caution on steep south aspects.

Summary

Confidence

-

Weather Forecast

Unsettled conditions are expected on Sunday as cold Arctic air begins to move south and replace the recent storm system. Lingering flurries are expected in the morning and sunny breaks in the afternoon. Alpine winds are forecast to be light to moderate from the northwest and freezing levels are expected to fall below valley bottom. On Monday, mostly sunny conditions are expected with light alpine winds from the northwest and treeline temperatures below -10C. On Tuesday, a mix of sun and cloud is forecast with light alpine winds from the northwest and treeline temperatures below -15C.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported in this region recently but this is most likely due to a lack of observers. We expect avalanche activity to increase throughout the weekend with the ongoing storm. If you are out in the mountains, please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Observations are very limited in this region. The new snow and wind on Friday and Saturday are expected to have created new storm slabs in the alpine and open areas at treeline. The mid-November crust is down around 100 cm. This layer may become more reactive if facets form on the crust and the snow load increases. Below the crust the snowpack is generally well settled. Average snowpack depths at treeline are 140-200 cm with generally less snow in the northern parts of the region. Watch out for stumps, rocks, and open creeks below treeline.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
New storm slabs are expected to be reactive to human triggering. Slabs are thickest and most reactive in wind loaded features.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
Not much is known about this layer in the Cariboos but it is a concern in the North Columbia.  It is most likely a low probability, high consequence problem. The biggest concerns are smaller avalanches stepping down or triggering from a thin area.
In times of high uncertainty conservative terrain choices are our best defense.Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of a buried crust layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2016 2:00PM