Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Dec 27 – 28, 2012Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Watch for wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks. These could be triggered by the weight of a person or snowmobile.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    A deeply buried facet/crust weakness exists near the base of the snowpack. This layer could be triggered by large loads such as a cornice collapse or from a thin-spot trigger point.

Avalanche Summary

A size 2 glide slab released on an east aspect last weekend. No other recent avalanches have been reported.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Friday: Light winds. Alpine temp around -6. Light snow.Saturday: Light to moderate NW winds. Freezing level at valley bottom. Very light snow, tapering off and partly clearing.Sunday: Moderate S winds. Freezing level at valley bottom. Light snow starting late in the day.

Snowpack Summary

A shallow snowpack (about 1m deep) exists, with facets continuing to develop while arctic cold air prevails. Strong winds have scoured some SE aspects in the alpine to ground. Wind slabs exist in many wind-exposed areas, however their distribution is quite variable and some areas have no wind-effect at all. Below treeline, very loose cold snow is sluffing easily from steep terrain. Professionals are still mindful of a facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack. Although triggering it has become unlikely, it may be possible from a thin-spot trigger point or with a very heavy load (e.g. cornice fall).

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