Avalanche forecast

Cariboos

Jan 23 – 24, 2012Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–6
    The new snow is expected to be transported into new windslabs. The snow pack may develop a stiffer layer above lighter drier snow as the temperature increases during the storm.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    2–6
    The snow pack may develop a stiffer layer above lighter drier snow as the temperature increases during the storm. If this slab develops, we expect that it will be easily triggered and may run fast and far.

Confidence

Fair - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Very strong southwest winds are forecast to build overnight Monday. Heavy snowfall is expected to begin mid-morning on Tuesday. Westerly upslope areas should get 20-30 cm during the day on Tuesday and the freezing level should rise to about 900 metres. Snow is expected to continue overnight into Wednesday morning and then become flurries as winds moderate in the afternoon. Some lingering flurries should continue on Thursday as a ridge of high pressure moves into the region.

Avalanche Summary

Some whumpfing reported from ridgetops and southerly aspects that have been wind pressed. Some naturals up to size 2.5 on north and east aspects in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

The new storm has developed a thick blanket of dry light snow above the cold dry surface. If this new storm warms up a bit, expect a storm slab to consolidate above this cold relatively weak layer. Watch for new windslabs developing due to forecast strong southwest winds. Some surface facetting during the recent cold spell. Strong temperature gradient in the top 30 cm. Stiff windslabs have developed in the alpine and at treeline. Some areas reporting a crust that is now buried by about 50 cm of cold dry light snow. Strong well settled mid-pack. Cornice structures are weak and have been growing fast, and falling off!

Regions covered