Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 14th, 2015 7:28AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Conditions vary across the region. Get your shovel out and take a look in the snow before committing to a line.

Summary

Confidence

Fair

Weather Forecast

A layer of warm air aloft will continue to produce warm alpine temperatures on Thursday. Light amounts of precipitation are expected on Friday. SW winds strengthen on Thursday and become strong to gale by Friday.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday a naturally triggered slab was observed in the north Elk Valley in steep rocky terrain.

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of recent snow may overlie a rain crust which exists up to 1900 m. In upper elevation terrain, these modest accumulations overlie hard, stubborn wind slabs. Up to 75 cm below the surface you may find a hard, thick crust which was buried in mid-December. This crust has overlying facets and/or surface hoar. This layer seems variably reactive throughout the region. In areas where the overlying slab is thick and cohesive, large avalanches are possible at this interface. A crust/facet combo which formed in November seems to have gone dormant for the time being.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found on a variety of slopes following recent changes in wind direction. Forecast winds may concentrate new wind slabs onto slopes lee to the south-west.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A buried persistent weakness, down 30-70 cm, should remain on your radar as it has the potential to produce large avalanches.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack where triggering could be more likely.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Jan 15th, 2015 2:00PM