Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 28th, 2018 4:56PM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

There is a high degree of uncertainty regarding the weak layer that is below this past week's storm snow. Where this nasty layer exists, human triggering may be likely. Conservative terrain choices are key during times of high uncertainty.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Overnight WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries / Alpine Low -7 / Moderate, west wind / Freezing level 500 m.THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries / Alpine high -6 / Moderate, west wind / Freezing level 1000 m.FRIDAY: Cloudy / Alpine high -7 / Light to moderate, northwest wind / Freezing level 600 m.SATURDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Alpine high -8 / Light, northeast wind / Freezing level 400 m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported in this region on Tuesday. However, we currently have very few observations from within this region. Please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network. (MIN)

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing snowfall since Sunday night brings recent storm totals to 40-70 cm. This new snow sits on top of a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and sun crust on steep south facing slopes. The surface hoar is most pronounced at treeline and below, but it may be found 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; however, this layer may be reactive to human triggers in isolated locations such as steep, rocky terrain, with a shallow snowpack. Small avalanches may step-down to this crust resulting in large, destructive avalanchesSnowpack depths decrease dramatically with elevation.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Widespread storm slabs sit on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), and sun crust on steep south facing slopes. Anticipate deep deposits of snow on this layer in wind loaded areas.

If triggered, the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be extra cautious around sheltered openings near treeline where surface hoar may be most prominent.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 29th, 2018 2:00PM