Avalanche forecast

Northwest Inland

Dec 31, 2013 – Jan 1, 2014Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

This forecast is based on very limited information. If you are out in the mountains and have any observations, please email [email protected]

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–5
    Persistent weaknesses may still exist near the base of the snowpack and could be triggered from thin spots or by continued loading from new snow and wind.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–4
    20-25cm of new snow has fallen since Sunday and more is expected for Wednesday.  Expect increased hazard in areas where wind slabs have formed such as exposed lee slopes and cross-loaded terrain.

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

The low pressure system will pass over the North Coast Wednesday.  Unsettled conditions are expected for Thursday before a ridge of high pressure moves into the area for Friday.Wednesday: Snowfall 10-15 cm, treeline temperatures around -3C, moderate SW windsThursday: A mix of sun and cloud, very light flurries possible, treeline temperatures around -5C, light to moderate SW windsFriday: A mix of sun and cloud, mostly dry conditions, treeline temperatures around -5C, light W-NW winds

Avalanche Summary

No new activity has been reported.

Snowpack Summary

The past week has brought around 60-70 cm of storm snow with steady strong W-SW winds and fluctuating freezing levels. The most recent storm snow came in with rising temperatures and is likely "upside down" feeling, meaning more dense on top. Expect touchy wind slabs in exposed lee terrain and cross-loaded features well into treeline. A number of rain crusts may exist in the upper and mid snowpack, primarily below 1500 m. Deeper in the snow pack a layer of facets/surface hoar formed in early December may be found in the top 100cm in the Ashman area. The mid and lower snowpack is still structurally weak and faceted. Depth hoar and an early season crust exist near the ground.

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