Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 26th, 2015–Dec 27th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Northwest Inland.

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.

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.

Avalanche Problems

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