Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 12th, 2016 9:41AM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

Cariboos.

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain. If you receive more than 20 cm of new snow, consider the danger HIGH in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

The next Pacific frontal system will reach the Interior tonight spreading moderate precipitation amounts through Wednesday. Average snow amounts range from 10-20 cm by Wednesday afternoon. Ridgetop winds will be moderate-strong from the SW, alpine temperatures -7 and dropping. A split flow in the jet stream will guide subsequent Pacific storms south of B.C. bringing mostly dry and unsettled weather Thursday and Friday. The next storm will move onshore sometime Saturday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. With forecast new snow, building storm slabs and loose snow avalanche problems may persist through Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 5 cm of new snow overlies recent surface hoar and near surface facets. New building storm slabs and isolated wind slabs overlie old surfaces including surface hoar, facets, and possible sun crusts on steep southerly aspects. Below this, the upper pack is mostly drying out (through faceting). In general, the mid and lower snowpack are strong, with any weak layers considered dormant for now. Snowpack depths are variable and shallow snowpack areas may have weak facetted crystals near the ground.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Building storm slabs sit on a variety of weak layers making avalanche conditions touchy.

Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 13th, 2016 2:00PM