Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Coast Inland.
Low hazard doesn't mean no hazard! Watch for isolated pockets of wind slab at upper elevations and remember that small avalanches can have big consequences in certain terrain features, like above cliffs or terrain traps.
Confidence
Moderate - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT - Mainly cloudy with clear periods / light to moderate south wind / alpine low temperature near -11
TUESDAY - A mix of sun and cloud / light to moderate south wind / alpine high temperature near -10Â
WEDNESDAY - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / light southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -8Â
THURSDAY - Mainly cloudy with a few flurries / light southeast wind / alpine high temperature near -7
Avalanche Summary
There were a few reports of natural and human triggered dry loose avalanches on Monday.
Snowpack Summary
A few centimeters of new snow sits on generally hard surfaces throughout the region; old stiff wind slab at upper elevations and a crust below 1600 m and at all elevations on south-facing slopes. The new snow may also sit on a weak layer of surface hoar in sheltered areas.
In the south, the underlying snowpack is well consolidated. In the north, a melt-freeze crust from early December may be found 100 to 200 cm deep. Recent reports suggest that this layer is decomposing and/or bonding to surrounding snow and trending unreactive, at least for now.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.
- Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.
- Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
A few cm of new snow may have been blown into small pockets of windslab at upper elevations.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5