Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2016 8:30AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Low Danger does not mean No Danger. Make observations continually as you travel.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

On Monday expect a mix of sun and cloud and light southeast winds. On Tuesday and Wednesday, light flurries and moderate to strong southeast winds are possible. That said, there's significant model disagreement on snowfall amounts. Freezing levels should stay at valley bottom for the forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Although recently formed wind slabs have likely gained strength, I'd remain cautious on steep, unsupported slopes in the immediate lee of ridge crests. Thanks to recent solar radiation and warmer alpine temperatures, you'll likely find a melt-freeze crust on steep, sun-exposed slopes at higher elevations.  We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snowpack for much of the Northwest Inland region. Shedin creek snow pillow is at historical minimum snow depth, and Tsai creek snow pillow is setting a new historical minimum snow depth. Between 80 and 100 cm of snow can be found at tree-line in the south and west of the region, with closer to 60 cm in the east. A weak basal layer probably exists in most areas, and I suspect that the ongoing cold temperatures have continued to promote faceting in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Although they've become less likely to trigger, thin wind slabs may continue to linger at higher elevations. These wind slabs may be found on several aspects due to changing wind directions.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 4th, 2016 2:00PM

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