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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 21st, 2014–Nov 22nd, 2014
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
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Cariboos.

Its looking more like winter! However, early season conditions and hazards exist out there. If you have been out adventuring in the backcountry, we want your observations. Feel free to send them our way to [email protected].

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Finally, the weather pattern has changed!A Pacific frontal system moves through the Region bringing unsettled conditions with snow amounts up to 10 cm at higher elevations. By Saturday midday we could see and accumulated 15-25 cm. Mountain top winds will initially be strong from the south, switching to the northwest by Saturday afternoon. Freezing levels will remain at valley bottoms. Late Sunday another stormy system will reach the Interior bringing additional snowfall amounts.

Avalanche Summary

Currently there are no recent avalanche reports, however; there is enough snow at higher elevations (treeline and alpine) where certain avalanche problems may exist.

Snowpack Summary

Welcome to winter! Its that time of year where observations are limited. The snowpack is thin and variable, early season conditions and hazards exist. Recent reports from the North Columbia (Monashee, Selkirks) suggest that the total snowpack in the alpine is 80-100 cm, I suspect less in the Cariboos. Pockets of wind slab may exist on leeward slopes at upper elevations. New snow near 10 cm has fallen on a series of weak surface crystals (crusts, surface hoar, facets). This new snow may have a poor bond to the previous surfaces. A solid crust that formed early November is buried below the surface 30-40 cm in many places at treeline and above. This new snow will hide early season hazards like crevasses, rocks, and stumps and gaining access to upper elevations is extremely challenging.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Pockets of wind slab may exist on leeward slopes and behind terrain features. Cracking and whumpfing indicates unstable snow.
Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading may have created wind slabs.>Early season hazards such as open crevasses, rocks, trees and stumps are hidden under the fresh snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3