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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 3rd, 2013–Dec 4th, 2013

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Cariboos.

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

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.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.