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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 25th, 2018–Dec 26th, 2018
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
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Northwest Inland.

Recent fresh snow has likely been redistributed by strong winds, especially at upper elevations. Expect wind slabs to be more prevalent in lee and cross-loaded terrain.

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

TUESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace to 5 cm accumulation. Light to moderate southeast wind. Freezing level valley bottom.WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm accumulation. Light to moderate south wind. Freezing level below 700 m.THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Moderate southwest wind. Freezing level 600 m.FRIDAY: Snow, 10-20 cm. Moderate south-southwest wind gusting to extreme. Freezing level rising above 1000 m.

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

10-20 cm new snow since Saturday is being redistributed by recent winds and likely formed wind slabs and cornices throughout the region. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely to be found at higher elevations. The storm snow sits on a weak layer of surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. This layer is buried 60-100 cm and information is limited in this region about how well the new snow is bonding to this layer. Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

60-90 cm of recent new snow has likely been redistributed by strong winds in the region. Wind loaded slopes at higher elevations are the most suspect for human triggering.
Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.Approach steep lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2