Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 26th, 2012–Dec 27th, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Cariboos.

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

Avalanche 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