Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2018 3:22PM

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

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Incoming snow will be redistributed by winds and develop slabs. Expect deeper and more sensitive deposits at upper elevations and in lee features, these places are most suspect to human triggers.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Scattered flurries, up to 10 cm accumulation. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Freezing level 800 m.FRIDAY: Snow, 10-35 cm accumulation. Moderate to strong southwest wind. Freezing level rising above 600 m.SATURDAY: Snow, 15-40 cm accumulation. Moderate west wind with strong gusts. Freezing level 1000 m.SUNDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Moderate gusting to strong west wind. Freezing level below 800m.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, wind-loaded pockets were reactive to skier traffic, including 2 very small unsupported pockets remotely triggered (from a distance) by skiers.Information from this region is limited. Tell us what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network! (MIN)

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm recent snow has been redistributed by wind and formed slabs in the alpine and treeline. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely to be found at higher elevations and in wind-loaded areas. Incoming snow may not bond well this wind-pressed surface.In total, 60-100 cm covers a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information about about how well the December snow is bonding to this layer is limited in this region. Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

60-100 cm of recent new snow has been redistributed by strong winds. More snow on the way will form new slabs, and bury and add load to older wind slabs. Expect deeper and more sensitive wind deposits at higher elevations and in wind-loaded terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2018 2:00PM