Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2015 7:32AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

This forecast is based on very limited field observations. Please share yours by clicking "Avalanche Information" at the top of the page.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

The forecast calls for continuing light snow for the next three days as a SW flow directs itself at the coast. A more organised frontal system is expected to bring around 10-15 cm snow on Tuesday/ Wednesday. Winds are moderate to strong from the SW and the freezing level hovers near 500 m throughout the period.

Avalanche Summary

In the Ningunsaw area, explosives triggered several deep persistent slabs to size 3 which failed on basal facets on Friday. Skiers also triggered size 1 slabs on wind-loaded features at treeline on Friday. Nothing was reported on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

Strong southerly winds are building wind slabs, generally depositing snow on N and NE aspects (other aspects may be getting cross-loaded or variable local wind effects too, so keep your eyes open). A surface hoar layer was reported to have been buried at the start of January in the northern part of the region. In the mid-pack, a crust weakness buried in mid-December seems to have fallen off most operators' radar for now. Near the base of the snowpack is a November crust-facet combination that could remain problematic, especially in shallower snowpack areas. We are skinny on field observations from your region, so submissions on our website are welcomed. Click Avalanche Information at the top of the page.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds have shifted recent snow into slabs on a variety of lee slopes. Back off if you encounter any tell-tale signs of wind slabs like shooting cracks or drummy, hollow sounds.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Persistent slabs are most likely to be triggered from shallow snowpack areas, or with a very heavy load.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.>Use caution around convexities, ridge crests, rock outcroppings and anywhere else with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 6

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2015 2:00PM