Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2014 8:42AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Avalanche danger trending up over the next few days due to another warm storm moving in from the Southwest.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Increasing cloud overnight with light Southerly winds and a few flurries by Thursday morning. Light snow during the day on Thursday combined with moderate Southerly winds and freezing levels at valley bottoms. Winds becoming strong Southwest on Friday with 3-5 cm of new snow expected. Strong Southwest winds overnight and continuing during the day on Saturday with another 5-10 cm of new snow. Freezing levels rising up to at least 1000 metres on Saturday.

Avalanche Summary

There are no new avalanche reports from the region.

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of new snow overlies weak surface hoar which is reported to exist up to at least treeline elevation. Below the new snow you'll likely find wind-scoured surfaces and old wind slabs in exposed terrain, and settled storm snow closer to treeline. Near the base of the snowpack, weaknesses such as the mid-November crust-facet layer are still of concern. I'd use extra caution around steep, unsupported high elevation terrain as avalanches at this interface could propagate over wide distances.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent observations suggest wind slabs may still be reactive to the weight of a skier. Watch for triggering in gullies and in the lee of ridges crests.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid wind loaded and cross loaded slopes.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Persistent weaknesses buried in November remain a concern for professionals in the region. Watch for shallow snowpack trigger points on steep, unsupported slopes.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2014 2:00PM