Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Northwest Inland.
Watch for wind slabs in steep alpine terrain as the cold winter-like conditions persist.
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to how quickly the snowpack will recover and gain strength.
Weather Forecast
TUESDAY NIGHT: Mostly clear skies, no precipitation, 30-40 km/h wind from the east, treeline temperature drop to -18 C.
WEDNESDAY: Mix of sun and cloud, no significant precipitation, 20-30 km/h wind from the east, treeline temperatures reach -14 C.
THURSDAY: Sunny, no precipitation, light wind from the east, treeline temperatures reach -8 C.
FRIDAY: Clear skies in the morning then increasing cloud in the afternoon, no precipitation, light wind from the southeast, treeline temperatures reach -8 C.
Avalanche Summary
No notable avalanche activity has been reported since last Friday, but reports of blowing snow on Monday suggest wind slabs have formed at upper elevations.
Snowpack Summary
Open terrain has been wind-affected, with recent wind scouring southeast slopes and loading snow onto east and north facing slopes. Sheltered areas may still have soft snow. A widespread melt-freeze crust can be found 20 to 50 cm deep in most areas, and up to 80 cm in the snowiest parts of the region. This crust is near the surface below 1200 m.
Cornices are very large and exposure to them should be minimized, especially during warm or windy weather.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Cornices often break further back than expected; give them a wide berth when traveling on ridgetops.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent southeast wind has likely formed wind slabs on west and north facing slopes in the alpine and near ridgetops at treeline.
Aspects: North, North East, South West, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 2