Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2013 9:29AM

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

slemieux, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night and Thursday: An upper ridge persists on the region bringing dry conditions, moderate to strong winds from the W and an inversion dissipating in the afternoon bringing temperatures above the freezing level between 2000 m. and 2500 m. Friday: Traces of snow are forecasted with moderate winds from the W and dropping freezing levels to 300 m. Saturday: Similar conditions are expected with lighter winds from the SW and slightly warmer temperatures than the day before (around -7 C in the alpine).

Avalanche Summary

No new recent observations.

Snowpack Summary

Surface layers (windslabs in alpine lee areas, cornices and loose snow in sheltered areas) may become weak with solar radiation and forecast warming temperatures. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies two or more buried crusts. The December crust is found 70-140 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie, where there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche in specific thin, rocky snowpack areas. Check out the forecaster’s blog for more discussion on this.

Problems

Loose Wet

Warming and direct sun may weaken surface snow layers, especially on steep, sun-warmed slopes.

Be cautious on exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

New windslabs could be formed below ridgetop and on crossloaded features with forecasted strong West winds.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2013 2:00PM