Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2012 9:18AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure is expected to bring clear skies and colder temperatures to the region on Wednesday. The temperature in the alpine should be about -15.0 and the winds should increase to about 40 km/hr from the west-northwest by Wednesday evening. Cloud and light precipitation should move into the region from the Pacific during the day on Thursday. This system is expected to bring 5-10 cm of snow to higher elevations. Thin cloud and increasing upper elevation winds are expected for Friday.

Avalanche Summary

Several small skier controlled avalanches in 35 degree terrain failing down about 20 cm.

Snowpack Summary

Very strong southwest winds have transported the storm snow into windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. There is a new rain crust below 1500 metres and an old rain crust that is buried down about a metre below the 1600 metre elevation. The mid-pack is reported to be strong, and I have not heard anyone talk about early season layers deep in the snowpack. That being said, there is still a lot of variation due to the strong winds that have accompanied most storms this winter in the region. I would continue to be suspect of thin snowpack areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

The recent storm snow has been transported into windslabs by strong southwest winds. These windslabs are expected to take a couple of days to strengthen.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Cornices

Warm temperatures and strong winds have caused rapid cornice growth which may not be well supported. Try to reduce your exposure beneath these large unstable masses of heavy snow.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

3 - 5

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2012 8:00AM