Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Regions
Northwest Inland.
Recent fresh snow has likely been redistributed by winds, especially at upper elevations. Expect wind slabs to be more prevalent in lee features, cross-loaded terrain, and open areas.
Confidence
Low - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm accumulation. Light to moderate southwest wind. Freezing level below 600 m.THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, trace accumulation. Moderate southwest wind. Freezing level 700 m.FRIDAY: Snow, 10-30 cm accumulation. Moderate southwest wind. Freezing level rising above 600 m.SATURDAY: Snow, 10-20 cm accumulation. Variable west wind with strong gusts. Freezing level dropping below 600 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
Up to 20 cm recent snow have been redistributed by wind and formed slabs in the alpine and treeline. Wind-loading and cornice growth was noted on Sunday. Deeper and more sensitive wind deposits are likely to be found at higher elevations. 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
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.