Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2015 9:02AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

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Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A dry ridge of high pressure is forecast to develop for the forecast period. Expect increasingly clear skies and light ridge top winds. Alpine temperatures are expected to remain between -14 and -20.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Light amounts (10-15cm) of new snow have fallen with slightly higher amounts expected in the far west of the region. Variable winds have likely shifted the new snow into fresh and reactive wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

I'd be suspicious of fresh wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. Use extra caution in the lee of ridge crests and in gullies.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2015 2:00PM