Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 15th, 2018 3:36PM

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

simonhorton, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Watch for wind slabs as you gain elevation. North-facing slopes have seen the most recent wind loading.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY: Light flurries with 2-5 cm of new snow, moderate southwest winds, freezing level dropping to 500 m.WEDNESDAY: Flurries developing throughout the day with another 2-5 cm, strong south winds, freezing level steady at 500 m.THURSDAY: Another 5 cm of new snow, moderate south winds, freezing level around 700 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small wet loose avalanches were reported on steep solar aspects over the weekend. No recent slab activity has been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Surface snow is well settled after a weekend of warm alpine temperatures. Old wind slabs may be lingering in exposed terrain and dry snow may still be found on shady north-facing slopes. A freezing rain crust can be found 20 cm below the surface (which was reported as being hard in the alpine and breakable below treeline). The snowpack is generally well settled, with a few prominent layers including a mid-December crusts / surface hoar layer and some early season crusts. Reports suggest the snow is well-bonded to these deeper layers.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be lingering on lee features.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind-loaded snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 16th, 2018 2:00PM