Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 12th, 2015–Dec 13th, 2015

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

Regions: Northwest Inland.

This bulletin was produced using very few field observations. If you've been out in the mountains, please share your observations on our Mountain Information Network.

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

On Sunday, expect mainly cloudy skies and light northwest winds. By late Monday and Tuesday, the region could see up to 10cm of new snow and strong southwest winds. The freezing level should hover around valley bottom for the entire forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported from the region.

Snowpack Summary

As much as 60cms of settled snow may now sit on a layer of buried surface hoar, although I'm unsure of the layer's reactivity and spatial distribution. I'd dig down and test for this potentially weak layer before committing to any steep lines, especially on sheltered north facing slopes at tree-line and just below. Recently formed wind slabs are reported to exist at alpine elevations.Lower below tree-line elevations may still be below threshold for avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recently formed wind slabs may exist at higher elevations. Watch for triggering in the lee of ridge crests and in gullies.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of surface hoar may be buried in the upper snowpack, although reports indicate it is spotty in its distribution across the region. Where it exists, I suspect that it may be at a critical depth for human triggered avalanches.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3