Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2018 3:00PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Recent fresh snow has likely been redistributed by winds, especially at upper elevations. Expect wind slabs to be more prevalent in lee features, cross-loaded terrain, and open areas.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm accumulation. Light to moderate southwest wind. Freezing level below 600 m.THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Moderate southwest wind. Freezing level 700 m.FRIDAY: Snow, 10-30 cm accumulation. Moderate southwest wind. Freezing level rising above 600 m.SATURDAY: Snow, 10-20 cm accumulation. Variable west wind with strong gusts. Freezing level dropping below 600 m.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, wind-loaded pockets were reactive to skier traffic, including 2 very small unsupported pockets remotely triggered (from a distance) by skiers.Information from this region is limited. Tell us what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network! (MIN)

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm recent snow have been redistributed by wind and formed slabs in the alpine and treeline. Wind-loading and cornice growth was noted on Sunday. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely to be found at higher elevations. In total, 60-100 cm covers a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information about about how well the December snow is bonding to this layer is limited in this region. Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

60-100 cm of recent new snow has likely been redistributed by strong winds. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely found at higher elevations, these are the most suspect for human triggering.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Approach steep lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2018 2:00PM