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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 15th, 2012–Jan 16th, 2012
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snopack conditions

Weather Forecast

Arctic Air continues to sweep down from the North influencing the NW Coast. Under this pattern the region will see cold temperatures: At 1500 m on Monday you can expect a High of -20, Low of -31. Ridge top winds will be from the E, NE at moderate values under mostly sunny skies. This pattern looks to persist through Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent avalanches observations reported from the region.

Snowpack Summary

The region received heavy rain last weekend creating a stout crust up to about 1000m. Moving up in elevation, that precipitation turned to snow. Winds wreaked havoc on the new snow in wind exposed areas. Those old wind slabs have mostly settled out now. The region has received a few small shots of snow in the last 4 days, and that snow is reportedly bonding well to the old snow surface. The snowpack is highly variable in the region as strong winds have accompanied most of the storms. Looking around you can see the evidence of the big winds; some ridges are scoured down to bare rock, others have fat wind pillows on them.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds out of the N -E will likely form fresh sensitive wind slabs in unusual locations Monday. Watch for signs of wind loading; snow blowing off peaks, fat pillow like formations and snow that feels stiff under your skis or machine.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Persistent slabs are getting harder to trigger but still exist in many locations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 6