Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 28th, 2018 3:00PM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
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
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 29th, 2018 2:00PM