Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2019 4:11PM

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

mconlan, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Wind slabs may linger at higher elevations. Use caution when entering into lee or cross-loaded terrain features.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, freezing level below valley bottom.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, moderate south winds, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level below valley bottom.THURSDAY: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 cm, moderate to strong southwest winds, alpine temperature -4 C, freezing level rising to 1500 m.FRIDAY: Mostly cloudy, light to moderate southwest winds, alpine temperature -3 C, freezing level rising to 2000 m.

Avalanche Summary

A few wind slab avalanches were observed in the region on Monday. They were large (size 2) and were triggered naturally in alpine terrain on northerly aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs are reported as being widespread and reactive at treeline and alpine elevations. Below treeline, recent snow is likely settling and gaining strength.There are a few deeper weaknesses in the snowpack. Professionals are still tracking a layer around 150 to 200 cm deep, composed of sugary faceted grains, feathery surface hoar, and a sun crust. The base of the snowpack may also still be composed of weak faceted grains in parts of the region. The likelihood of triggering these deep weak layers is low and would most likely be triggered by humans in areas where the snowpack is shallow.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds were recently howling from the southwest, which produced touchy wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.

Cornices may be touchy; stay well-back on ridges and avoid travelling beneath them.Observe for signs of instability: whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks, and recent avalanches.Use extra caution in wind-loaded terrain features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2019 2:00PM