Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2017 4:35PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Persistent weaknesses deeper in the snowpack remain the primary concern, especially in steep and rocky alpine features with a shallow or variable snowpack.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light southeasterly winds, and treeline temperatures around -15. MONDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall bringing another 5-10 cm of new snow, moderate to strong southwesterly ridgetop winds, and treeline temperatures around -18. TUESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, light northwesterly winds, and treeline temperatures around -20.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday, no new avalanches were reported in this region.

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm of recent snow and light winds have created thin wind slabs in exposed terrain at treeline and above. This recent snow has also covered old, thicker wind and hard slabs from previous wind events. Persistent and deep persistent weakness in the mid and lower snowpack are giving variable results in snowpack tests, but are generally most touchy in shallow snowpack areas. Recent snowpack tests gave moderate but resistant results on facets and/or surface hoar buried mid-December where it was found down 45 cm, and hard but sudden collapse results on the facet/crust weakness down 116 cm near the base of the snowpack.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Triggering a weak layer of facets and/or surface hoar buried mid-December may still be possible in parts of the region where the snowpack is shallower. Dig down and test for weaknesses before committing to larger terrain features.

Choose regroup spots that are out of avalanche terrain.Avoid likely trigger spots such as steep and rocky areas with a shallow snowpack.Only expose one person at a time to larger slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Small wind slabs could 'step-down' to deeper weak layers resulting in large, destructive avalanches.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff or slabby.Travel on ridges or ribs to avoid wind loaded pockets below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2017 2:00PM