Northwest Inland Avalanche Forecast — Jan 10, 2016

Highlights

Avalanche danger will start to rise as new snow accumulates. How quickly this happens depends on how much snow and wind we see.

Avalanche problems

Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Unlikely - Possible
Size
1–2
Small wind slabs may be sensitive to rider triggering in steep and unsupported lee and cross-loaded terrain.

Confidence

Moderate - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Monday: Increasing cloud with light snow in the afternoon. The freezing level is at the surface. Ridge winds are moderate to strong from the S-SW. Tuesday: Periods of snow 5-15 cm from Monday evening through Tuesday. The freezing level is at the surface. Ridge winds are moderate to strong from the S-SW. Wednesday: Cloudy with light snow. The freezing level at the surface and winds are moderate from the W-SW.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported for several days; however, observations are very limited.

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of new snow now covers another fairly widespread surface hoar layer. Below this 5-15 cm of dry faceted snow sits on a variety of old surfaces including a melt-freeze crust on solar aspects in the alpine, wind affected snow in exposed terrain, and surface hoar in sheltered areas at treeline and lower elevations. Variable winds have created wind slabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in alpine areas and scoured windward slopes. Overall, the snowpack is quite shallow and weak throughout the region.

Avalanche danger