Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 30th, 2015 10:18AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

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Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

The current ridge of high pressure will persist for the foreseeable future bringing mainly clear skies for the forecast period. Ridgetop winds will intensify throughout the day on Thursday, and remain strong and southwesterly until Saturday. An inversion is forecast for all 3 days with above-freezing temperatures expected in the alpine by Thursday afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported. With solar radiation and warming forecast for the next few days, loose wet avalanches will become more likely on steep, sun-exposed slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Light amounts (10-15cm) of snow fell last weekend. Variable winds have likely shifted the new snow into wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. Although these wind slabs have likely gained strength, I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Solar radiation has also come into play, and depending on the time of day, steep solar aspects may be moist or refrozen.We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
Temperature inversions and solar radiation forecast for the next few days will promote loose wet avalanche activity, especially on steep, sun-exposed slopes.
Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >Be alert to conditions that change with aspect, elevation and time of day.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
I'd remain suspicious of wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. Use extra caution in the lee of ridge crests and in gullies.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 31st, 2015 2:00PM