Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2015 9:11AM

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.

This bulletin was published using limited data. Regional snowpack variability likely exists, so be your own forecaster and make observations continually as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A Pacific frontal system will slide through the region on Monday night and Tuesday bringing 5-10cm of snow and strong to extreme westerly winds. A dry ridge of high pressure will develop for Wednesday and early Thursday delivering mainly clear skies and moderate northwesterly winds. Light snowfall is forecast for Thursday afternoon. Freezing levels may rise to 500m with the passage of the frontal system, and then drop to valley bottom on Wednesday and Thursday. For a more detailed weather overview, please check-out our Mountain Weather Forecast at: avalanche.ca/weather

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported from the region. With new wind and snow forecast for Monday night, I would expect a new round of wind slab activity at treeline and in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Light amounts of new snow forecast for Monday night will likely be redistributed by extreme westerly winds into new wind slabs at treeline and in the alpine. The few reports we've received suggest the height of snow at treeline is approximately 100cm. According to these reports, the mid-snowpack is mainly comprised of older settled storm snow, while weak facets exist at or near the ground.

Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and wind forecast for Monday night will form new wind slabs in the alpine and at treeline. Watch for conditions that change with elevation, and use increased caution in gullies and around ridgecrests.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2015 2:00PM