Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 21st, 2018 4:45PM

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

Avalanche Canada kdevine, Avalanche Canada

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Northwest Inland.

After a brief break in the weather, wind and flurries are forecast to continue throughout the weekend. Be aware of the potential to trigger wind slabs, especially in lee terrain at upper elevations.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY NIGHT - Cloudy with clear periods and isolated flurries / south winds, 15-35 km/h / alpine low temperature near -10°c. SATURDAY - Cloudy with scattered flurries, up to 5 cm / southeast winds, 15-30 km/h / alpine high temperature near -7°c. SUNDAY - Flurries, 5-10 cm by Monday morning / southeast winds, 35-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -5°c, low temperature near -8°c. MONDAY - Cloudy with scattered flurries, 1-4 cm / southwest winds, 20-50 km/h / alpine high temperature near -5°c, low temperature near -10°c.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent reports of avalanches, however information from this region is limited. Tell us what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network! (MIN)

Snowpack Summary

50-90 cm of snow has fallen over the past week, likely forming storm slabs and wind slabs throughout the region. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely to be found at higher elevations. The storm snow may still need more time to form a good bond with the weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information is very limited about the current strength of this layer. Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
50-90 cm of new snow has fallen over the past week. Wind loaded slopes at higher elevations are the most suspect for human triggering.
Approach steep lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.Field observations have been limited. Supplement this forecast with your own observations.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2018 2:00PM

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