Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 31st, 2018–Jan 1st, 2019

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Northwest Inland.

The incoming storm will begin as snow and then switch to rain up to at least tree line. The next few days will be tricky to manage due to rapid changes with elevation. It will be best to stick to low-angled slopes and avoid overhead exposure.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

MONDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with light snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, strong west winds, freezing level rising to 1300 m by the morning.TUESDAY: Cloudy with light rainfall at lower elevations and otherwise snowfall, accumulation 5 to 10 cm, strong southwest winds, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 1600 m.WEDNESDAY: Early-morning snowfall, accumulation 10 cm, then mix of sun and cloud, moderate to strong southwest winds, alpine temperature 0 C, freezing level 1200 m.THURSDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, strong south winds, alpine temperature -1 C, freezing level 600 m.

Avalanche Summary

Although reports are limited, it is probable that there were avalanches during and after the weekend's storm.We often have a hard time getting reports of avalanche activity from this region, so if you see anything, please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network! (MIN). Thanks!

Snowpack Summary

The weekend's storm deposited 30-40 cm new snow with strong winds from the west. Buried under the snow in sheltered areas, you may find one or two weak layers comprising surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or facets (sugary snow). The upper layer may have been buried around December 22 and is likely 30-50 cm below the surface. The lower one was buried in early-December and is now approximately 80-120 cm below the surface. Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.Three different parties have reported recent whumpfing in the Telkwa and Hankin areas, possibly on the facets near the base of the snowpack, or on one of the other weak layers. This indicates the snowpack should not be completely trusted at this time.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snowfall has set up storm and wind slabs in steep terrain, particularly where wind has redistributed the snow.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard wind slabs.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Wet

Watch for loose wet avalanches if the precipitation switches to rain. Rain may make the snow even touchier.

Snow conditions will vary rapidly with elevation.Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5