Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 4th, 2013 8:47AM

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

ccampbell, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

This forecast is based on limited field observations. If you head into the mountains, please send a note to forecaster@avalanche.ca and let us know what you saw.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. Treeline temperatures are around -10 to -15 with moderate northeasterly alpine winds. Friday and Saturday: Sunny and cold. Treeline temperatures are around -15 to -20. Alpine winds are likely to be strong from the North-Northeast.

Avalanche Summary

Several wind slab avalanches up to Size 2 were observed just below ridge crests between 1500m and 1800m in the Ashman Ridge area last Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Around 40 cm of recent storm snow may still need some time to bond to the previous snow surface. Northerly outflow winds are likely forming fresh wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and scouring windward terrain. Below approximately 1000m surface hoar is growing on sheltered slopes, while surface snow on steep sun-exposed slopes is becoming moist with daytime warming. Average snowpack depths near treeline are variable but around a metre with the bottom half being a crust below 1200m elevation.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Outflow winds are reverse-loading and cross-loading exposed slopes. Fresh and touchy wind slabs are likely lurking below ridge crests and behind terrain features.

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 5th, 2013 2:00PM