Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 19th, 2015 7:52AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Forecast light snow combined with wind will continue to develop thin new windslabs at higher elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

3-5 cm overnight with strong southwest winds and freezing levels at valley bottoms. Temperatures around -10 at treeline. Light flurries and moderate westerly winds during the day Sunday with a chance of broken skies in the afternoon. High cloud with a few flurries on Monday with light southwest winds. Light southeast winds on Tuesday with a few light flurries.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported. Incremental loading should develop thin new wind slabs on lee aspects.

Snowpack Summary

A trace of new snow overnight has not changed the conditions. Shallow early season conditions continue with 80-100 cm at treeline in the south and west of the region, and closer to 60 cm in the east. Stiff wind slabs have been reported above treeline in the lee of variable and changing winds. The winds were out of the northeast in areas under the influence of arctic air, and out of the south or southeast when the snow moved across from the coast. The surface hoar reported last week is variable in its distribution and may be hard to find. Weak basal layers may exist in shallow snowpacks that have experienced continuous cold temperatures.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Thin new windslabs may continue to develop with each snow and wind event. Watch for old buried windslabs that may now be exposed to new winds or reverse loading.

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 20th, 2015 2:00PM