Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 29th, 2012–Nov 30th, 2012

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Cariboos.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Friday: Light to moderate snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1400mSaturday: Moderate to locally heavy snowfall / Moderate southwest winds / Freezing level at 1300mSunday: Light snowfall / Light southerly winds / Freezing level at 1100m

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported from the region. We welcome all observations at [email protected].

Snowpack Summary

Based on limited data streams, it appears as though the region received up to 15cm of new snow on Wednesday night. Relevant wind information has also been extremely limited; however, some data points suggest that winds were in the moderate (enough to transport snow) range. Forecast snow and increased wind values will add some more punch to this newly developing storm slab. This new slab sits over a variety of old surfaces which most likely include well settled storm snow from last week and surface hoar.There may be a thin buried surface hoar layer down about 95 cm. As well, the November rain crust now exists over 110cm down in some locations and may exist in combination with facets. These layers seems to have been unreactive in recent days, but may have the potential to 'wake-up' with additional loading.Average snow depths at treeline seem to be between 125cm and 150cm.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New snow and wind forecast for the next few days will add to a developing wind/storm slab problem. The sensitivity of this layer may be higher in some areas due to the possibility of underlying surface hoar.

If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious. This includes open crevasses on glaciers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Although the likelihood of a release is low, the consequences of a persistent slab release could be significant. These layers may wake-up with additional loading.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 5