Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 4th, 2018 4:10PM

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

kdevine, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Field observations are very limited in the Cariboos. It is important to supplement this forecast with your own observations. If you get out this week, tell us what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network! (MIN)

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT - Clear periods / alpine temperature near -15 / light to moderate northerly windsWEDNESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light southerly winds / alpine high temperature near -10THURSDAY - Sunny with cloudy periods / light southerly winds / alpine high temperature near -5, low temperature near -10FRIDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate south winds / alpine high temperature near -3, low temperature near -6

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

There may be some wind slabs in exposed, alpine terrain, but the primary concern in the snowpack is a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes. This layer is down 30-60 cm. The surface hoar is most prominent at treeline, but it may exist in sheltered alpine areas.At the base of the snowpack is a crust that formed in late October. There have been no reports of reactivity on this layer in the Cariboos, however it may be reactive in isolated locations such as steep, rocky terrain, with a shallow snowpack. Snowpack depths decrease dramatically with elevation.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

30-60 cm of snow sits on top of a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steeper south facing slopes.

If triggered, the slab may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Watch for signs of instability such as whumphing, cracking, and evidence of recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 5th, 2018 2:00PM