Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 20th, 2012 9:40AM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Friday: Ridge top winds back off to light/mod southerlies. Treeline temp -9. Occasional Flurries. Freezing Level at valley bottom.Saturday: Southerly ridge top winds initially light becoming moderate late in the day. Treeline temp -10. Occasional Flurries. Freezing Level at valley bottom.Sunday: Light SW winds at ridge top. Treeline temp -15. Scattered cloud in the morning, broken in the afternoon. Freezing Level at valley bottom.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations. Observations are welcome, please email us: forecaster@avalanche.ca

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack comprises deep amounts of unconsolidated snow in sheltered locations, and soft slabs in open wind exposed terrain. I believe these slabs to be between 20 - 40 cm in depth and are most likely to be found immediately behind ridge crests and lee of mid slope terrain features like ribs. Overall, the top and mid-snowpack is reported to be settling well. Persistent and Deep Persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) 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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh sensitive wind slabs continue to build at and above treeline. They're found immediately below ridgecrest and in the lee of mid slope terrain features. These slabs may be sensitive to the weight of a skier or rider.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>The recently formed wind slabs will take a few days to stabilize. Stay patient and remember the winter is still young.>The best riding will be found in sheltered locations at or below treeline.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 6

Valid until: Dec 21st, 2012 2:00PM