Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 15th, 2013 9:06AM

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

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: A weak frontal system moves through the region on Saturday and is replaced by a ridge of high pressure.Saturday: 5-10 cm new snow. Ridgetop winds 40 km/h from the west, gusting to 60 km/h. Freezing level 2100 m.Sunday: Light snow, 2-5 cm. Possibly higher accumulations in the east. Light northwesterly winds. Freezing level 500 m.Monday: Dry. Light winds. Freezing level at valley bottom with treeline temperatures around -5C.

Avalanche Summary

A skier accidentally triggered a windslab on Wednesday. This avalanche had a crown from 30-60 cm thick.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures have moistened the snow surface in many areas. As temperatures cool, expect it to harden into a crust. Wind slabs are extensive in exposed areas and cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 20 cm or so, where it hasn't been blown away by the wind and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Hard windslabs may be found in unusual locations and might be more difficult than usual to identify.

Watch freshly wind loaded features on steep slopes>Watch for hollow sounds or shooting cracks in the upper slab.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Cornice are well developed and may become unstable, particularly during windy, warm or sunny weather.

Stay well back from cornices.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 16th, 2013 2:00PM