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 unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Regions
Northwest Inland.
Continued precipitation, wind and warm temperatures means that the snowpack is likely primed for human triggered avalanches. Conservative terrain selection is recommended.
Confidence
Moderate - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT - Flurries, 5-10 cm / southwest winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine low temperature near -1 / freezing level 1200 mSATURDAY - Cloudy with wet flurries, 5-10 cm / southerly winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near +2 / Freezing level 1500 mSUNDAY - Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries / southwest winds, 20-40 km/h / alpine high temperature near +1 / freezing level 1400 m MONDAY - Mainly cloudy / light northwest switching to southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -1 / freezing level 900 m
Avalanche Summary
Several human triggered storm slab avalanches to size 2 were reported on Thursday at treeline and below treeline. A few of these were remotely triggered (triggered from a distance).Field observations are limited in this region, tell us what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network! (MIN)
Snowpack Summary
25-50 cm of new snow sits above previous wind-scoured surfaces, and wind slabs in lee terrain features. Strong winds have likely redistributed this new snow, creating fresh slabs.A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.
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.