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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 16th, 2012–Dec 17th, 2012

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Cariboos.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: The storm track is along the USA border so Monday's storm will bring mostly wind to the region with little new snow. Tuesday looks quiet before the next system on Wednesday or Thursday.Monday:  Mod to Strong South or SW winds; 5 to 15 cm of snow; continued cool with alpine temperatures near -10CTuesday: Light NW wind; dry; colder with alpine temperatures around -14CWednesday: Light S wind; little if any snow; continued cool.

Avalanche Summary

Mostly small loose snow avalanches from steep terrain were reported for this region but visibility was limited and some of our regular reporters weren't able to get out yesterday. Due to our limited observations for this region at this time, your avalanche observations are welcome at [email protected]

Snowpack Summary

Windslabs were developing Saturday afternoon and this process should continue Sunday & Monday in the alpine and treeline elevations with forecast S or SW winds. These slabs are most likely immediately behind ridge crests and downslope ribs. There's ample recent snow available to fuel slab development as winds pick up. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. Deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and early November crust) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there's little recent evidence of them. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that pop or drop in stability tests. Any observations from the field are welcome at [email protected].

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.