Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 29th, 2015 7:57AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Recent winds have been variable across the region. Pay extra attention in areas showing signs of wind effect: e.g. cornices, fat looking slopes, or hollow, drummy sounds.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

We have entered a cool, dry spell. Expect light northerly winds, sun and slightly milder temperatures in the alpine; and cloud and cold temperatures in the valleys.For more details check out http://www.avalanche.ca/weather.

Avalanche Summary

A skier triggered a size 1 soft slab on a NW aspect and a size 2 glide slab release was observed at 1200 m. Otherwise, there has been little avalanche activity reported recently.

Snowpack Summary

Hard and soft wind slabs may be found on any recently wind-affected terrain, especially at alpine and treeline elevations. 40-70 cm recent dry snowfall overlies a mid- and lower snowpack which are reportedly well settled. There may be some storm snow interfaces to watch in specific areas. Storm slab properties may also change as the alpine gets some sun and temperatures rise. The early December weak layer (about a metre down) is now hard to find and unlikely to be triggered, except with a very heavy trigger. At the base of the snowpack, on high north aspects, basal facets overlie glacial ice.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent winds have left soft and hard wind slabs in alpine and treeline terrain. These could fail with the weight of a person.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow. >Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >Back off if you encounter hard, breakable or drum-like snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 30th, 2015 2:00PM