Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2012 9:41AM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Thursday will mirror Wednesday: another cold & dry day with a H of -16 & a L of -29 at 1500m under clear skies.Things change Friday as low pressure once again becomes part of the picture. The current wx calls for 5 - 10 cm on Friday under SW flow. Another 10 cm is forecast for Saturday too.Things quiet down during the day Sunday before ramping back up Sunday evening as another system makes landfall bringing 5 -10 cm Sunday night & 5 - 10 cm Monday morning.

Avalanche Summary

No significant avalanche activity has been reported from the region recently.

Snowpack Summary

The weekend storm delivered 20 - 40 cm of snow to the region which fell on the January 13th facet/surface hoar layer. The snowpack has settled now and been affected by wind in some locations which has led to a wind slab problem. The wind slab is quite variable in the region. Some areas report widespread wind effect while others have seen nary a breath of wind. Where the wind has blown, there is likely to be a slab avalanche problem that is capable of producing avalanches to size 2.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Be suspicious of any slope with recent deposits of wind drifted snow. If you can't identify & avoid wind affected snow, stick to simple terrain below treeline.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Cornices

Cornices are massive in many locations, stay well back from ridge crests and plan your travels so that you minimize exposure to these large unsupported masses of snow. Falling cornices have the potential to trigger large destructive avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2012 8:00AM