Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 4th, 2017 3:15PM

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

shorton, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Fresh wind slabs are likely at higher elevations. Evaluate the snow and terrain carefully as there is still limited information from this region.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - The weather pattern is stable on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries in the north part of the region, moderate northwest wind, alpine temperatures warming to -5 C.WEDNESDAY: Sunny with valley cloud, light wind, inversion with freezing level up to 2200 m.THURSDAY: Sunny with valley cloud, light wind, inversion with freezing level up to 3000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported. On Saturday, riders in the Valemount and Blue River areas reported some small natural loose dry avalanches in steep terrain, but no human-triggered avalanches were reported. Please submit your observations to the Mountain Information Network (MIN).

Snowpack Summary

Cold weather has preserved low density snow from last week's storms, with the exception of wind affected terrain at higher elevations. Recent snowfall amounts vary throughout the region, with roughly 20 cm in the north and up to 60 cm in the southeast of the region near Blue River. Below the recent storm snow you may find crusts that formed during rain events in late November. Little is known about depth, distribution, or reactivity of these crusts. Snow depths decrease rapidly below treeline, where the primary hazards are rocks, stumps, and open creeks.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be reactive on the downwind side of ridges and gullies. Changes in wind direction this week will likely form fresh wind slabs.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Not much is known about the reactivity of crusts lurking in the snowpack. This uncertainty warrants conservative terrain selection, as an avalanche on one of these interfaces could be large and destructive.

Start with lower angle slopes before gradually working up to steeper objectives.Choose well supported terrain without convexities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 5th, 2017 2:00PM