Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2016 4:20PM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

Lingering wind slabs from this weekend's storm will continue to be reactive. Caution as you transition into wind exposed terrain.

Summary

Confidence

-

Weather Forecast

Arctic air continues to dominate the weather pattern for the next few days.  A mix of sun and cloud is expected on Wednesday and Thursday with light northeasterly alpine winds and temperatures hovering around -18C. A Pacific frontal system pushes inland from the south starting Thursday night possibly bringing flurries on Friday.

Avalanche Summary

There are no new reports of avalanche activity. The new snow that fell over the weekend has been redistributed by the wind primarily onto north and east and southeast aspects in the alpine and at tree line. These wind slabs are expected to be reactive for the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

Last weekend's storm system brought 40-60cm of new snow to the southern part of the region with strong southwest wind in the alpine. The wind during the storm and more recent northerly wind has redistributed the storm snow forming wind slabs in alpine and tree line lees. 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 current cold weather.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Recently formed wind slabs are expected to be reactive to human triggering.
Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2016 2:00PM

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