Regions
Northwest Inland.
This forecast is based on very limited observations. If you are out in the mountains, please considering sending in your observations or posting on our website.
Confidence
Poor - Due to the number and quality of field observations
Weather Forecast
The weak storm system exits the region on Saturday morning and will be replaced by a ridge of high pressure. This ridge is expected to persist for several days. There is a lot of model uncertainty on how much precipitation during Friday night's storm but it looks like 10-15mm are possible for parts of the region. On Saturday, snow should taper off in the morning, periods of sun are possible, freezing levels near valley bottom, and moderate northerly alpine winds. Sunday should be mostly clear and dry with treeline temperatures around -15C and moderate NE alpine winds. Monday should be pretty much the same with colder temperatures.
Avalanche Summary
On Tuesday we received a report of a size 1.5 skier remotely triggered avalanche in the far north of the region. It released on a steep, wind loaded feature and was triggered from 5m away. The slab was 25-45cm thick and occurred around 1600m elevation.
Snowpack Summary
Below the new snow you'll likely find old wind-scoured surfaces or old wind slabs in exposed terrain, and well-settled storm snow in sheltered areas. Last week the region received around 30-50cm of snow. Near the base of the snowpack, the mid-November crust-facet layer may still be a concern in isolated areas.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.