Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 25th, 2012 9:07AM

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

ghelgeson, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Winds back down from Extreme to Strong at ridgetop Thursday under quite mild temps. Expect a day time high @ 1500 m of -2 with an overnight low of -4. The region will likely see a bit of snow from a weak pulse moving through, but just a few cm are expected. High pressure takes over Friday making for dry conditions, but we’ll still see cloudy skies as NW flow is aloft.

Avalanche Summary

Very little avalanche activity has been reported or observed recently.

Snowpack Summary

Last week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo which has settled remarkably quickly. Our field team was out over the weekend covering ground & they saw very little in the way of avalanche activity.Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive. There may have been releases on this layer post storm but at this time nothing has been reported. It should be noted that basal facets exist in many parts of the region too. Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds are expected to continue to blow at strong values Thursday. Expect potentially sensitive wind slabs on slopes lee to the W, SW winds.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Storm Slabs

Tuesday nights storm brought 10 - 15 cm to the region. Watch for small loose snow avalanches in protected areas & soft slab avalanches in areas that are exposed to wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2012 8:00AM