Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 11th, 2015 8:37AM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

The mid-December weakness is variable in distribution, but still has teeth. Be especially cautious at treeline.

Summary

Confidence

Fair

Weather Forecast

An upper ridge continues to shift the storm track into the Alaskan Panhandle. No new snow is expected for the three day forecast period. Winds are expected to remain light out of the SW at treeline and moderate to strong out of the NW at ridgetop. The freezing level looks to remain at Valley Bottom until Wednesday afternoon when it is expected to rise as warm SW air begins to invade the province.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity to report.

Snowpack Summary

We've received reports that a temperature inversion has left a crust above 1800m on most aspects in the Valemount area. Other parts of the region are reporting a thin solar crust on steep south and east aspects. Warm temps and time have helped to settle the 30 - 90cm of storm snow that fell almost a week ago. That snow rests on the mid-December surface hoar/crust persistent weak layer that continues to produce inconsistent test results. It seams to be most sensitive at and below treeline (approx: 1900m).

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This problem seams to be most prevalent at and below 1800m. It's an unusual setup, but it may actually be less sensitive in the Alpine.

Stick to small features with limited consequence and be aware of what is above you at all times.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.>Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 5

Wind Slabs

NW winds may form fresh wind slabs in alpine terrain. These should be manageable through avoidance.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Avoid wind loaded features immediately lee of ridge crest.>Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 12th, 2015 2:00PM