Avalanche Forecast

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

A more typical winter weather pattern has set up as a series of storms will continue to slam onto the coast then pushing their way into the Interior regions. With these fast moving systems the details are hard to pin-point like track, timing and intensity. Saying that, we know were getting it, but confidence remains low on the actuals. Friday: Strong ridgetop winds from the S-SW, snow 5-15 cm, freezing levels near 1500 m. Saturday: Strong SW-W ridgetop winds, new snow 5-10 cm with accumulations increasing overnight and freezing levels at valley bottom. The stormy pattern continues into next week.

No new avalanches have been reported. New snow combined with strong winds is the perfect recipe for the avalanche danger to rise.

10-35 cm of storm snow has buried old snow surfaces which comprise of stubborn wind slabs, crusts well defined at upper elevations especially on southerly aspects, loose faceted snow and surface hoar in sheltered areas. The new snow likely has a poor bond to the old snow and things may become electric once they reach threshold. 20-35 cm below the new snow sits a thick hard crust. For the time being, this hard crust is likely adding significant strength to the snowpack below, however may be a perfect sliding layer for the snow above. Something to keep an eye on as we keep loading with subsequent storms. There is also a thick crust from early-November in the middle of the snowpack. In general there is a lot of uncertainty regarding snowpack structure throughout the region and you should investigate the snowpack in your local area before committing yourself to avalanche terrain.