Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 4th, 2017–Jan 5th, 2017

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.

Persistent weaknesses deeper in snowpack still can't be totally trusted. Approach big open slopes with caution, especially in shallow snowpack areas.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries bringing trace accumulations throughout the day with 3-5 cm overnight, light southwesterly winds, alpine temperature around -10.FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries bringing trace amounts of fresh snow, light southerly winds, alpine temperature around -10.SATURDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries and trace amounts of fresh snow, light southeasterly winds, alpine temperature around -10.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Lingering wind slabs may remain reactive to human triggering on specific features, such as the immediately lee of ridges and sun-exposed slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar is growing and the upper snowpack is faceting. In exposed areas at all elevations, recent winds have resulted in scouring, hard wind slabs, and thicker reactive wind slabs in unusual places as the winds shifted from west to northeast. Continued moderate to strong northerly winds have been keeping wind slabs fresh and touchy in some areas and sun-exposure is likely making the wind slabs extra touchy on south-facing slopes. Facets and/or surface hoar buried mid-December recently gave moderate but broken snowpack test results where it was found down a metre or more. In a shallow snowpack area, recent snowpack tests gave moderate sudden collapse results on this persistent weakness. This suggests that the primary concern for persistent slab avalanches is in shallow snowpack areas; however, the potential for step-down avalanches remains where it is deeper. The lower snowpack is well bonded and features a thick rain crust near the ground.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Touchy wind slabs are lurking below ridge crests and behind terrain features on all aspects. Watch for wind slabs in unusual places, including open areas at lower elevations.

Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Triggering a weak layer of facets and/or surface hoar buried mid-December may still be possible in parts of the region where the snowpack is shallower. Dig down and test for weaknesses before committing to any big open steep slope.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Choose regroup spots that are out of avalanche terrain.Minimize exposure to steep, planar south facing alpine slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3