Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Northwest Inland.
Continually assess the wind effect as you move through the terrain. New rider triggerable wind slab is developing on North and Eastrly aspects. Sensitivity to triggering will be greatest near ridge crests and steep roll overs.
Confidence
Moderate -
Weather Forecast
Tuesday night: Up too 10cm with moderate West winds. Low of -18 at 1600m.
Wednesday: light Northeast winds with some flurries ending around noon. High of -13 at 1600m.
Thursday: some light flurries ending in the morning. Light North wind and a high of -18 at 1600m.
Friday: light to moderate Northeast winds with no new snow expected. High of -21 at 1600m.
Avalanche Summary
a few size 2 natural wind slabs were observed in the alpine in the South part of the forecast region.
Snowpack Summary
Westerly aspects are generally scoured but wind slab could exist on some cross loaded features. New wind slab has likely formed on North and East aspects.
The December 15 surface hoar layer is just below the surface in sheltered treeline and below treeline features. It is likely not a problem yet.
An early season crust and facets can be found near the base of the snowpack. This layer now appears to have gone dormant through most of the region but could still be reactive in some shallow snowpack areas.Â
Snowpack depth at treeline typically ranges from 100-200 cm, with higher values in the western part of the region and tapering to the east. In the far southwest of the region, the height of snow is closer to 300 cm.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Fresh wind slabs will likely form throughout the day, diligently watch for changing conditions.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
New wind slab is likely to develop on North and East aspects in the treeline and above. Old wind slab could still exist in cross loaded features on westerly aspects
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2