Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 25th, 2011–Dec 26th, 2011
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Cariboos.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Monday: Light snow. Freezing level near valley bottom. Moderate southerly winds. Tuesday:5-10cm snow. Freezing level near 1000m, rising late in the day. Strong westerly winds. Wednesday: 15-20cm with the freezing level rising to 1800m. Strong westerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm snow seems to be settling and strengthening. Any loose available snow continues to be redistributed by southwest winds. Wind slabs with the potential to propagate widely exist in the alpine, particularly on north through east aspects. At treeline and below, pockets of wind slab also exist in open areas. A surface hoar/facet/crust interface is buried anywhere from 30- 80cm deep. Avalanche activity on this layer has slowed, but it remains a concern as snow-loading gradually builds this week. Sudden ('pops') type results were observed on this layer earlier in the week.A sun crust is also buried in the alpine on some steep south and west aspects. The mid-pack is generally strong and well settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs exist on lee and cross-loaded features and are expected to build further over the next few days.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

A cohesive slab overlies the early December buried surface hoar/facet interface. Activity on this layer has slowed, but it could reawaken with new snow loading.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4