Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Jan 14, 2019Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Storm slabs below treeline are rapidly becoming less of a problem, but little is known about the alpine. If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, take a cautious approach and do it gradually as you gather information.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Storm slabs may remain sensitive to human triggering. We have very few observations from the alpine, but it's suspected that storm slabs are capable of producing large avalanches at upper elevations.

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

After an intense storm cycle we transition into a relatively benign weather pattern with no significant precipitation expected for the foreseeable future.SUNDAY NIGHT: Freezing level around valley bottom, potential for a layer of above freezing air between 1200 and 1700 m, moderate to strong southwest wind, trace of precipitation possible.MONDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, light to moderate southwest wind, trace of snow possible.TUESDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, light to moderate southerly wind, no significant precipitation expected.WEDNESDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level at valley bottom, light variable wind, no significant precipitation expected.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 1.5 avalanches were observed in steep north facing terrain on Saturday in this great MIN Post.Several human triggered storm slab avalanches to size 2 were reported on Thursday at and below treeline. A few of these were remotely triggered (triggered from a distance).Field observations are limited in this region, we'd love it if you'd share with us via the Mountain Information Network! (MIN)

Snowpack Summary

The storm produced 25 to 50 cm of new snow which came in warm and wet below 1300 m. Strong winds have likely redistributed the storm snow at and above treeline.A few buried weak layers that consist of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and/or faceted (sugary) snow may exist in some sheltered areas. The upper layer is about 35-60 cm deep. The next layer is likely 65-90 cm deep. The lower one is now approximately 100-150 cm deep. The bottom 30 to 50 cm of the snowpack consists of facets and crusts, particularly in areas where the snowpack is thin. It may be possible for storm slab avalanches to scrub down to ground in thin snowpack areas, resulting in large avalanches.

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