Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 27th, 2015–Dec 28th, 2015

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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.

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Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

The last few centimetres of snow for a while are expected on Monday, with light to moderate northerly winds, before a shift to a cool, dry spell. Expect light northerly winds and a mix of sun and cloud on Tuesday and Wednesday.For more details check out https://avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported recently in the Cariboos. In the neighbouring North Columbia region, a large natural slab failed on a deeply buried weak layer.

Snowpack Summary

You may encounter soft wind slabs near ridge tops, which could be sensitive to the weight of a person. As winds shift from southerly to northerly, be alert to the possibility of finding wind slabs on all aspects. Older wind slabs may be hidden under recent new snow.In sheltered areas, 10 -15 cm light dry snow has buried large surface hoar crystals. I'm unsure how widespread the surface hoar is across the region. 20-30 cm settled, dried-out powder lies below this. The mid- and lower snowpack are reportedly well settled. The early December weak layer (about a metre down) is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps with a very heavy trigger. At the base of the snowpack, on high north aspects, basal facets overlie glacial ice.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

As winds swing from southerly to northerly, be alert for wind slabs on a variety of slopes near ridges and ribs.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow. >Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel. >Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

The volume of loose dry snow could push you around if it gets moving in steep terrain.

Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.>On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2