Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Feb 3 – 4, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Ongoing strong winds may contribute to wind slab development. Watch for triggering below ridgecrests and in gullies.                                                                  .                                                                                                                                                                                                               

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    A mixed bag of weak interfaces is buried about 15-30 cm down. The nature of these weaknesses varies greatly from valley to valley.

Avalanche Summary

Snowballing was observed on steep, sun-exposed terrain. A size 1 loose snow avalanche was also observed in steep unskiable east facing terrain.Observations were limited in the region. I would suspect more solar-induced recent avalanche activity with the warming on Saturday.

Weather Forecast

Monday: Variable cloud / Strong west winds with extreme gusts / Alpine temperature of -8.0Tuesday: Light snowfall / Moderate west winds / Alpine temperature of -8.0 / Wednesday: Light snowfall / Moderate southwest winds /  Alpine temperature of -9.0

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface is a combination of wind slab at higher elevations, settled storm snow in more sheltered terrain, and a crust or moist snow on solar aspects.  A variable interface buried on Jan 23 is down about 15-35cm. In most locations it appears to be well bonded; however, buried surface hoar (up to 20mm) has been found in some locations. This will be something to watch as the overlying slab develops. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled.

Regions covered