Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 28th, 2018 4:56PM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeSummary
Confidence
Low - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday
Weather Forecast
FRIDAY NIGHT: Snow, accumulation 10-15 cm in the south and 5-10cm in the north / Moderate to strong southwest wind / Alpine temperature -3C / Freezing level 900mSATURDAY: Snow, accumulation 15-25 cm in the south and 5-10 cm in the north / Moderate to strong southwest wind / Alpine temperature -1 C / freezing level 1500-2000mSUNDAY: Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks / Light to moderate northwest wind / Alpine temperature -5 C / Freezing level 700 mMONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud / Light west wind / Alpine temperature -4 C
Avalanche Summary
Reports are limited, but no avalanches have been reported in past few days.
Snowpack Summary
15-30 cm of recent new snow covering what is reported to be a widespread weak layer of feathery surface hoar. Below this, about 30 cm of recent storm snow sits on a melt-freeze crust below around 1800 m. Reports are limited, but they suggest that the snow is bonding well to the crust. Expect the deepest deposits of storm snow to be in lee and cross-loaded terrain features.In the north portion of the region and possibly the far south, a weak layer of facets and surface hoar lies below all this storm snow, around 100 to 150 cm deep. The weak layer appears most prominent around treeline, up to 2000 m. There has not been reports of avalanche activity on this layer for the past week. Although this layer is likely gaining strength, field observations show that slab avalanches remain possible on this layer where it exists.Near the base of the snowpack, a crust exists with weak and sugary facets beneath it. This could potentially still be of concern in high north-facing aspects where the snowpack rests on very smooth ground cover. A very large trigger, such as a cornice fall, would likely be needed to form an avalanche on this layer.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 29th, 2018 2:00PM