Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 28th, 2017–Dec 29th, 2017

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Cold, dry conditions are expected to continue for the forecast period. Pockets of lingering wind slabs may still exist in exposed alpine areas due to recent and variable wind events.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Light snow. Accumulation trace. Ridge wind moderate southeast. Temperature -30. Freezing level surface.FRIDAY: Mix of sun and cloud. Ridge wind moderate southeast. Temperature -24. Freezing level surface.SATURDAY: Mostly sunny. Ridge wind moderate west. Temperature -24. Freezing level surface.SUNDAY: Mostly sunny. Ridge wind light northwest. Temperature -10. Freezing level surface.

Avalanche Summary

A few small natural wind slabs were reported last weekend in steep south facing terrain west of Smithers. Wind slabs showed some reactivity to human triggers a week ago, but cold temperatures have likely made them difficult to trigger.

Snowpack Summary

Surface snow has been affected by winds from a variety of directions. The degree of wind effect varies throughout the region, with the most dramatic winds associated with outflow conditions in western parts of the region near coastal inlets. Sheltered areas may still have 10-30 cm of powder from previous storms. A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found roughly 20 cm below the surface. This layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.For an update on recent conditions check out the Mountain Information Network (MIN) report here. And please submit your own reports!

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Lingering pockets of wind slab may exist on a range of aspects in alpine terrain as wind directions have shifted over the past week.

Evaluate unsupported slopes critically.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Watch for stiff or hollow feeling snow, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 2