Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 2014 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Conditions may be variable across the region.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Expect mainly light snowfall (about 5-10 cm a day) from Monday to Wednesday, accompanied by moderate to strong W to SW winds. Freezing levels are expected to fall to valley floor by Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow has built up above variable old surfaces including large fragile surface hoar crystals, a crust and/or facets. Winds may have built wind slabs and cornices on lee slopes. A thick rain crust with facets from early November is buried over 1 m down and may still be reactive in isolated areas.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow may have been shifted by winds into slabs on lee slopes. The new snow sits above a weak layer of buried crystals.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features by sticking to ridges and ribs.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

There is still the potential to trigger a deeply buried weak layer, resulting in a surprisingly large avalanche.

Avoid common trigger zones including thin snowpack areas, near rocky outcrops, and steep alpine slopes.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2014 2:00PM