Avalanche forecast

Cariboos

Dec 3 – 4, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Data is very limited from this region. If you're out in the snow please send us your observations at [email protected]

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Northerly outflow winds have likely created new wind slabs in exposed lee terrain at all elevations. These could remain sensitive to rider triggering throughout the week.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    The October rain crust and the early November surface hoar are lurking deeper in the snowpack. Smaller storm avalanches could step down to one of these layers creating a large full-depth avalanche.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–5
    Up to 50 cm of storm snow sits on a recently buried surface hoar layer or sun crust. Be particularly cautious in areas that have been wind affected forming a slab.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: An Arctic ridge of high pressure will dominate the weather over the next week bringing cold temperatures and clear skies to most of the province. Wednesday: Mainly sunny. Treeline temperatures are around -15 to -20. Winds are moderate from the North. Thursday: Sunny and cold. Treeline temperatures are around -20 to -25. Winds are moderate from the Northeast.Friday: Sunny and cold. Treeline temperatures are around -20 to -30. Winds are moderate from the North-Northeast.

Avalanche Summary

Observations are limited; however, one reporter observed several recent storm or wind slabs up to size 2 on Monday. Areas to the south in the Monashees have reported a number of natural and rider triggered avalanches up to Size 3 in the past couple days.

Snowpack Summary

Variable snowpack depths are being reported across the region but typically 30-50 cm of storm snow fell last weekend on approximately 1m of old, well-settled snow. The storm slabs overlay a variety of old snow surfaces including (1) winds slabs and wind scoured areas in the alpine and exposed areas at treeline, (2) sun crusts on steep south facing slopes, and (3) surface hoar in sheltered areas around treeline elevation and below. Northerly winds on Monday and Tuesday have likely redistributed snow and created dense wind slabs in exposed lee terrain (South and West facing).There are still two layers of concern within the mid/lower snowpack: the early November surface hoar is down roughly half way (50-60cm) and the October rain crust is near the ground. While these layers have recently become dormant, the weight of the new storm snow may cause these layers to reactivate in isolated areas causing large, destructive avalanches. The October crust can be found in the alpine on north aspects (likely east and west as well). The early November surface hoar appears to be spotty and drainage specific.

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