Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 4th, 2016 3:30PM

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.

Avalanche Canada rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

Storm slabs that formed over the weekend are expected to remain reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded areas. Use a conservative approach to terrain selection and continually assess conditions while you travel.

Summary

Confidence

-

Weather Forecast

An Arctic front pushes southward on Monday bringing cold, dry conditions for the next few days. A mix of sun and cloud is expected on Monday with light alpine winds from the northwest and treeline temperatures around -15C. Conditions are expected to remain similar on Tuesday and Wednesday with sunny conditions, light northerly winds in the alpine, and treeline temperatures dropping to around -20C.

Avalanche Summary

Observations were limited on Saturday due to the stormy conditions but some size 1 storm slab avalanches were reported in south of the region. The storm snow was also reported to be reactive to ski cutting on steep unsupported features. In the north of the region, a MIN post reports that the storm snow is sluffing easily in wind loaded areas.  On Monday, the storm slabs that formed over the weekend are expected to remain reactive to human-triggering. These storm slabs are expected to be most reactive on north through east aspects in the alpine as a result of recent wind loading.

Snowpack Summary

The weekend storm system brought 40-60cm of new snow to the southern part of the region with strong southwest wind in the alpine.  The resulting storm slabs are thickest and most reactive in leeward features in wind exposed terrain. The mid-November crust appears to typically be down 1-1.5m in the south of the region, and around 80cm down in the north of the region. Test results on this layer suggest the crust is generally well bonded in the Cariboos region. However, test results from the North Columbia region suggest there may be an isolated weakness associated with this layer and it has professionals concerned. It will be important to track how this layer evolves, especially with the upcoming period of cold weather.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Lingering storm slabs are expected to remain reactive to human triggering, especially in wind loaded features.
Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 5th, 2016 2:00PM