Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 5th, 2018 4:43PM

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

kdevine, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Field observations are very limited in the Cariboos. It is important to supplement this forecast with your own observations. If you get out into the mountains, tell us what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network! (MIN)

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods / light southerly winds / alpine low temperature near -11THURSDAY -Sunny with cloudy periods / light southerly winds / alpine high temperature near -7FRIDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate southerly winds / alpine high temperature near -5, low temperature near -5. Some areas will experience an alpine temperature inversion.SATURDAY - Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries / light to moderate south winds / alpine high temperature near -4, low temperature near -8

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

The primary concern in the snowpack is a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This layer is down 30-60 cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may exist in sheltered alpine areas.At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. There have been no reports of reactivity on this layer in the Cariboos, however it may be reactive in isolated locations such as steep, rocky terrain, with a shallow snowpack. Snowpack depths decrease dramatically with elevation.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

30-60 cm of snow sits on top of a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumphing, cracking, and evidence of recent avalanches.If triggered, the slab may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 6th, 2018 2:00PM