Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 25th, 2012 9:26AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs.

triley, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

Good - -1

Weather Forecast

Flurries are expected to continue on Thursday. The wind should become light to moderate from the south on Thursday as the weak ridge of high pressure moves into the region. High pressure should continue to build on Friday; however moderate gusty westerly winds and flurries are expected to bring another 5-10 cm by evening. The next Pacific system is forecast to move into the region by early Saturday afternoon. Southwest winds should build to strong combined with moderate to heavy snowfall by Saturday evening.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported from Tuesday due to poor visibility and travel conditions.

Snowpack Summary

The new storm snow is the greatest concern at this time. There has been 40-60 cm of storm snow in the valley since Monday. The freezing level went up to about 1000 metres early Wednesday morning. The weak facet layer that was buried on January 20th is now down about 80 cm and continues to produce easy shears in tests.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent windslabs may require a couple of days to settle and bond. Triggering with light additional loads is expected.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 6

Storm Slabs

The recent storm slab may take a couple of days to settle and bond. Areas that avalanched early in the storm may have re-loaded during subsequent snowfalls.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 6

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2012 8:00AM