Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2015 9:50AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Saturday's snowfall amounts will likely vary throughout the region. Areas to the west may receive more snow, and the Avalanche Danger may be higher than posted.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Forecast

On Sunday morning expect lingering flurries with clearing throughout the day. On Monday and Tuesday the region should see a mix of sun and cloud as a dry ridge of high pressure starts to develop. Ridgetop winds should remain mainly light for the forecast period. Alpine temperatures will hover between -16 and -20 for all 3 days.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Light amounts (5-15cm) of new snow have fallen with higher amounts expected in the west of the region. Strong southwest winds have likely shifted the new snow into fresh and reactive wind slabs in upper elevation lee terrain. We're still dealing with a thin, early-season snow pack for much of the Northwest Inland region. 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 recent cold temperatures have continued to create weak faceted crystals in the snowpack, especially in shallow, rocky areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
New snow and wind will have created new and potentially reactive wind slabs in higher elevation lee terrain. Watch for triggering in the lee of ridge crests and in gullies.
Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2015 2:00PM