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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 23rd, 2012–Dec 24th, 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
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Cariboos.

The lower danger rating in the alpine does not mean it's open season on the bigger alpine features.  Stay cautious in your approach to the mountains this week.

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Monday: Light ridgetop winds out of the E. No Snow. 1500m temp: -15 Freezing level: SurfaceTuesday: Light SE ridge top winds. 1500m temp -13 No snow. Freezing Level: SurfaceWednesday: Light SW ridge top winds. Treeline temp -13. No snow. Freezing Level: Surface

Avalanche Summary

One natural avalanche reported in Miledge Creek.  Size 2 Natural on a N-NE aspect. Observations for the region are sparse.  Please send your observations to: [email protected]

Snowpack Summary

20 - 30 cm of low density storm snow rests on a supportive midpack.  Unlike the neighboring regions, operators in the North Columbia are reporting minimal wind effect. Persistent and 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. 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. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in stability tests.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are diminishing in sensitivity but I'm still suspect of them, especially in steep unsupported terrain.  Pay attention to what the winds are doing.  Even a short burst of wind has the potential to create touchy shallow wind slabs.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>If you venture into the open, start with small, low consequence terrain. You need to carefully evaluate how the upper 75 cm of the snowpack is behaving before committing to more serious lines.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Be extra careful in areas where ground roughness is not present to act as anchorage. Smooth ground cover areas include firn on glaciers, grassy slopes and rock slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 3 - 7