Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 28th, 2018 3:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada dsaly, Avalanche Canada

Heavy snowfall expected. The new snow will need time to stabilize and bond.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT: Snow, 15-40 cm accumulation. Moderate south-southwest wind. Freezing level rising above 1200 m.SATURDAY: Snow, 5-25 cm accumulation. Moderate west-northwest wind gusting strong to extreme. Freezing level dropping below 700 m. SUNDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 5 cm accumulation. Light west wind with strong gusts. Freezing level below 700m.MONDAY: Flurries, 10-25 cm accumulation. Moderate south-southwest wind. Freezing level rising above 1300 m.

Avalanche Summary

Last weekend, wind slabs (size 1-2) were reactive to explosives and skier traffic. This included including 2 very small unsupported pockets remotely triggered (from a distance) by skiers on Monday.There have been no recent avalanches reported, however information from this region is limited. Tell us what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network MIN.

Snowpack Summary

Snow starting early Friday morning deposited 20-25 cm snow around the region by Friday evening. Continued heavy snowfall is expected to deposit substantial amounts by Saturday morning. Prior to snowfall, wind redistributed the upper 25 cm of recent snow. Wind slabs are present at upper elevations, especially in lee and cross-loaded features. Below 1000m, this 25 cm recent snow sits on a melt-freeze crust, above 1000m the 25 cm recent snow adds to the 150+ cm snowfall of mid-December. A total 100-200 cm snow from mid-December sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals), facets (sugary snow), and crusts. This layer was initially a concern when snowfall first accumulated, but the strength of this layer has generally improved. The surface hoar is most prevalent and has most recently been reactive between 1100-1300 m in more northern portions of the region, and is something to keep in mind if you plan to travel to areas like Ningunsaw.Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts, including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Substantial snowfall is expected through Saturday and new snow will need time to stabilize. Moderate to strong wind will redistribute snow, expect deeper and more reactive wind deposits at higher elevations and in wind-loaded terrain.
Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 29th, 2018 2:00PM