Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2013 9:21AM

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

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Snow amounts are a little uncertain for Sunday. If more than 10 cm comes through with some wind, consider alpine and treeline danger to be CONSIDERABLE.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: Relatively benign weather is anticipated through the forecast period.Sunday: Light snowfall, 2-4 cm. Winds light northwesterly. Treeline temperatures around -10C.Monday: Flurries. Winds light southwesterly. Treeline temperatures around -8C.Tuesday: Dry. Cloudy. Calm. Freezing level around 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported recently.

Snowpack Summary

A skiff of snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. 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

Fresh wind slabs overly recent weak surfaces in exposed lee areas.

Watch freshly wind loaded features.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2013 2:00PM