Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 4th, 2014–Feb 5th, 2014

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Cariboos.

CAC Mobile App version 3 is now available on iTunes and Google Play featuring the new Observer Network. See this blog post for more details.

Confidence

Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: A very strong ridge of high pressure continues to dominate the weather pattern. In the extended period the models are not breaking down the ridge as quickly, so it looks like Saturday will be dry throughout the province.Wednesday: Sky: Clear; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, NE | Mod, E at ridgetop.Thursday: Sky: Clear; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, N Friday: Sky: Clear; Freezing Level: Valley Bottom; Precip: Nil Wind: Light, N

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed Monday. Facets on the surface continue to sluff away in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

In most areas, a widespread weak layer is now buried by up to 10cm of new snow, but has yet to become a problem. This weak layer consists of large surface hoar (widespread in most sheltered and shaded areas at all elevations), a sun crust on south facing slopes, faceted grains (in colder areas or areas with a thinner snowpack), or a combination of the above. This variable weak layer is expected to become a problem when/if it finally starts snowing again. The rest of the upper and mid-snowpack are generally well consolidated. A facet/crust weakness near the bottom of the snowpack has gone dormant for now but may rear it's ugly head again in the future. The depth of this layer makes triggering an avalanche unlikely but the consequences would be very serious.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Erratic winds are forming thin slabs in the alpine that rest on a variety of persistent weaknesses. This combination will keep both the active sluffing and small wind slab problem on the front page longer than we're normally accustomed to.

Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.>On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>Carefully consider the impact a thin wind slab will have on your proposed line, especially in high consequence terrain. Have a backup line in mind in case you need to seek more sheltered riding. >Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3