Regions
Northwest Inland.
There is low confidence in this forecast due to limited observations. As always, and especially when confidence is low, it is essential to supplement this information with your own observations. and don't forget to post them to the MIN!
Weather Forecast
Mainly cloudy with light flurries is expected for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, before a more intense storm arrived Thursday evening. Relentless strong to extreme from southwesterly alpine winds are expected for the entire forecast period. Gradual warming is expected throughout the forecast period, but freezing levels should remain below valley bottoms.
Avalanche Summary
There are no recent avalanche observations from this region. Due to the lack of regular observations, we cannot yet issue danger ratings for the region. If you are out in the mountains, please send us your observations and help us improve the forecast.
Snowpack Summary
Early season snowpack observations are still limited in the region but there is likely enough snow for avalanches at treeline and above. The average snowpack depth at treeline is reported to be around 60cm, and there's120cm or more in the alpine. Surface snow tends to be variable with low density powder in sheltered areas, and wind affected snow in exposed areas. In the north of the region at Shedin creek, the snow pillow is showing a historical low of 48 cm of snow on the ground. In the southwest at Tsai creek the snow pillow is showing near average snow depth. Recent strong southwest winds have likely formed wind slabs in leeward features at higher elevations. A series of crusts from early November were recently reported to be buried down 20-30cm.
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.