Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2018 4:19PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Light snow expected.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

MONDAY: Moderate to strong south-west winds. 5-10 cm snow. Alpine temperature near -5.TUESDAY: Light south-west winds. 5 cm snow. Alpine temperature near -10.WEDNESDAY: Moderate southerly winds. 5 cm snow. Alpine temperature near -25.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches have been reported in the last few days.

Snowpack Summary

Modest amounts of incoming snow will overlie various old surfaces, including a hard freezing rain crust (which was reported into the alpine in some areas east of Smithers), old crusts and wind slabs. A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and wind may form wind slabs in the lee of ridge crests.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 8th, 2018 2:00PM