Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2014 8:43AM

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

rbuhler, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

New wind slabs may be a concern in exposed terrain. Persistent slabs remain a concern anywhere that did not avalanche last week. If you observe any new activity, please send us an email to forecaster@avalanche.ca

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A weak ridge of high pressure will bring dry conditions and some sun for Sunday. On Monday, the pattern changes to a strong SW flow which will persist for several days. Freezing levels will rise to around 1500m on Monday and as high as 2500m on Tuesday. Light precipitation is expected for Monday and Tuesday and alpine winds are expected to be moderate-strong from the SW.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Recent reports from the region suggest that anywhere from 50-150 cm of settling snow overlies one or more weak layers which formed during November. Snowpack tests suggest that these weak layers are getting harder to trigger but still have the potential to produce large avalanches if triggered. Recent wind has created wind slabs in lee features in exposed alpine terrain.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The chances of triggering a persistent slab have decreased, but the consequences are still high. Any slopes that did not avalanche during the last storm cycle should still be considered hazardous.

Avoid common trigger zones including thin snowpack areas, near rocky outcrops, and steep alpine slopes.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Wind Slabs

Recent winds may have loaded leeward features in exposed terrain.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2014 2:00PM