Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2012 8:43AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Thursday: A weak ridge of high pressure will give generally dry conditions, winds light from the west and alpine temperatures near -12.Friday: Light precipitation and overcast skies, winds light from the west and northwest. Alpine temperatures near -11.Saturday: Another weak ridge of high pressure will give generally dry conditions, winds light from the northwest.

Avalanche Summary

There are no recent significant observations to report at this time.

Snowpack Summary

The most recent new snow from the weekend and late last week has been redistributed by the wind creating wind slabs in isolated locations. These are sitting on a generally well-settled mid-pack. Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them being reactive. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. If you are spending anytime in the backcountry, send us your observations. Every bit is greatly appreciated! Email us at: forecaster@avalanche.ca

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent southerly and westerly winds have created wind slabs in the lee of terrain features. lee

Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Dry

Expect unconsolidated surface snow to sluff in steep terrain.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2012 2:00PM