Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 25th, 2012–Dec 26th, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Cariboos.

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Isolated flurries with generally overcast skies, winds light to moderate from the south and alpine temperatures near -9.Thursday: Possible light snowfall, generally overcast, winds light from the southwest and alpine temperatures near -12.Friday: A weak ridge of high pressure will give generally dry conditions with some sunny breaks.

Avalanche Summary

There are no recent significant observations to report at this time.

Snowpack Summary

20 - 30 cm of low density storm snow rests on a generally strong midpack. Recent west and southwest winds will have redistributed the new snow in alpine and treeline locations, creating windslabs on the surface. Persistent and deep persistent instabilities (surface hoar and an early November crust, respectively) located in the middle and near the bottom of the snowpack may still be a concern but there has been little recent evidence of them being reactive. It is important to know that we have very limited observations for this region. Digging down and making your own observations, especially in thinner snowpack areas, remains a good idea to assist safe slope selection. You're looking for weak layers that "pop or drop" in stability tests. If you are spending anytime in the backcountry, send us your observations. Every bit is greatly appreciated! Email us at: forecaster@avalanche.ca

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent southerly and westerly winds have created windslabs in the lee of terrain features.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4