Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 20th, 2018 4:46PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

kdevine, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Information from this area is limited, it is critical to supplement this forecast with your own observations. Back off if you see recent avalanches, experience whumphing, or see cracking in the snow.

Summary

Confidence

Low - Due to the number of field observations.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with clear periods, northwest winds, 30-50 km/h, alpine low temperature near -13°c. FRIDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, west winds, 15-35 km/h, alpine high temperature near -9°c. SATURDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods, southeast winds, 15-30 km/h, alpine high temperature near -7°c, low temperature near -9°c. SUNDAY: Cloudy with flurries, up to 5cm, southeast winds, 20-40 km/h, alpine high temperature near -5°c, low temperature near -10°c.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no recent reports of avalanches, however information from this region is limited. Tell us what you see by posting to the Mountain Information Network! (MIN)

Snowpack Summary

A total of 40-80cm of snow has fallen over the past week, likely forming storm slabs and wind slabs throughout the region. The combination of new snow and strong wind has likely formed thicker and more sensitive wind deposits at higher elevations. The storm snow may still need a bit more time to form a good bond with the weak surface hoar (feathery crystals) and facets (sugary snow) that formed during the dry spell in early December. Information is very limited about the current strength of this potential weak layer. Deeper in the snowpack, there are several crusts including an early season crust with facets near the bottom of the snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

40-80 cm of new snow has fallen over the past week. Wind loaded slopes at higher elevations are the most suspect for human triggering.

Field observations have been limited. Supplement this forecast with your own observations.Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.Approach steep lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 21st, 2018 2:00PM