Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2012 9:27AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Friday: Cloudy with flurries. Freezing level near valley floor. Light to moderate winds.Saturday: Light to moderate snow. Freezing level rising to 700m by evening. Strong to gale westerly winds. Sunday: Moderate (locally heavy) precipitation with the freezing level climbing to 1500m by afternoon. Strong to gale westerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

A few natural avalanches, up to size 2, were observed in steep lee (wind-loaded) terrain on Wednesday. Whumphing was observed below treeline.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 80cm of snow has fallen since Monday. Strong winds have created hard slabs, soft slabs and fragile cornices. The freezing level went up to about 1000 metres early Wednesday morning. Snowpack tests give easy to moderate results on several layers in the upper snowpack. Key concerns as further snow builds this weekend include a weak facet layer that was created during the brutal cold snap in mid-January and a buried crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs continue to build behind ridges and terrain breaks. Areas that avalanched earlier this week may re-load as the storm continues.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 6

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs continue to build above buried weak layers. Warming and snowfall this weekend will increase the storm slab problem.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 6

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2012 8:00AM