Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2016 8:20AM

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

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Use caution in areas where wind slabs may exist !

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure that has given us mild upper elevation conditions is forecast to move out of BC by early Sunday morning. Cooler air will move into the region bringing an end to the inversion and lowering temperatures in the alpine back to more normal below freezing values. The BC interior should remain dry until Tuesday next week.

Avalanche Summary

Reports of loose natural avalanches on steep south-facing slopes. Continued warming through the weekend may create a denser slab within the recent storm snow.

Snowpack Summary

The last few days of clear skies, solar radiation, and warm air trapped at higher elevations has settled the recent storm snow. Southerly aspects have seen enough sun and warmth to release loose moist or wet avalanches in steep terrain. Melt-freeze crusts may have formed overnight when the temperatures dropped below freezing. Some wind transported snow continues to form thin wind slabs on various aspects. Surface hoar has been reported forming in sheltered locations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may still be reactive around tree line and above. Current warm temperatures will aid in bonding them to the previous snow surfaces. Be alert moving into new terrain.

Avoid slopes with glide cracks.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow. >Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >Back off if you encounter hard, breakable or drum-like snow.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Loose dry avalanches up to size 2 may be encountered on all aspects in steep terrain.

Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs. >Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2016 2:00PM