Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2013 8:58AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Sunday: Cloudy with light Westerly winds overnight becoming strong Westerly in the afternoon. No precipitation overnight, 5-10 cms Sunday afternoon. Freezing level dropping to valley bottom overnight and up to about 1000 metres during the day.Monday: Alpine temperatures -6.0 with gusty West winds and light flurries.Tuesday: Winds shifting to South as the next pulse of moisture brings 10-15 cms of snow to elevations above 1000 metres.

Avalanche Summary

There was one natural slab size 3.0 that was reported from the North of the region on Friday. Loose snow sluffing to size 1.0 from steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

The storm snow has settled into a dense slab that can be triggered by skiers or sledders that is propagating up to size 2.0 avalanches. There has been a lot of wind transport and wind slab formation in the alpine. Professionals are finding the early January surface hoar layer to be well preserved in more locations below 2000 metres than had been suspected.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Old wind slabs continue to be a concern, and new wind slabs are expected to build with the next pulse of moisture.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Two surface hoar layers lie buried under the surface, one approximately 40cm down and the other approximately 80cm down. Both are reported to be patchy and variable in distribution. Most likely triggered on steep convex rolls at treeline or below.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.>Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2013 2:00PM