Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2018 4:49PM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

Northwest Inland.

Keep an eye out for storm slabs and wind slabs in steep alpine terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

WEDNESDAY: Cloudy with light winds. Flurries. Alpine temperature near -20.THURSDAY: Cloudy with moderate south-westerly winds. 3-5 cm snow. Alpine temperature near -20.FRIDAY: Cloudy with moderate to strong south-westerly winds. 5-10 cm snow. Alpine temperature near -20.

Avalanche Summary

A few size 1- 1.5 storm slabs and loose dry avalanches were reported on Monday between 1250 and 1600 m.

Snowpack Summary

Around 20-30 cm snow overlies various surfaces including a freezing rain crust (which was reported as being hard in the alpine and breakable below treeline), old sun crusts and wind slabs. A variable weak layer that formed in mid-December can be found in the upper snowpack. This mid-December layer is comprised of crusts on solar aspects and feathery surface hoar in sheltered locations.The lower snowpack is generally well settled with two prominent crusts. The late-November crust can be found 30-50 cm below the surface and the October crust is near the base of the snowpack.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slabs and loose dry avalanches are possible in specific terrain.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2018 2:00PM