Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Northwest Inland.
Snow accumulation has varied across the region following the recent storm. In areas with higher snow totals, avalanches are possible where winds have transported the recent snow into slabs on lee terrain features.
Confidence
Low - Uncertainty is due to the limited number of field observations.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday night: Partly cloudy, isolated flurries with 1-3 cm of snow possible, moderate west winds, alpine temperature -10 C
Thursday: Cloudy with periods of sun, isolated flurries with a trace of precipitation, light variable winds, alpine high temperature -8 C
Friday: Mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, light variable winds, alpine high temperature -10 C
Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud, no precipitation, light variable winds, alpine high temperature -11 C
Avalanche Summary
There have been no recent reports of avalanches in the region; however, there is very little information available at this time. If you get out into the mountains, let us know what you see by submitting to the Mountain Information Network!
Snowpack Summary
Snowfall has been sporadic and failed to materialize with the last storm system. Since the weekend, areas further north in the region have accumulated 5-10 cm. In these areas, southwesterly winds have been transporting the snow into wind slabs on lee features at upper elevations. Depending on location, these slabs are likely sitting on a mix of sugary faceted snow, and feathery surface hoar crystals, and hard wind-affected snow that may be reactive to human triggering.
Total snowpack amounts are likely in the 60-120 cm range, tapering quickly at lower elevations.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent new snow with wind may have formed wind slabs in the alpine. Watch for areas where the snow has been drifted by wind into a thicker, more cohesive layer.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5