Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2013 9:32AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Light snowfall occurring late in the day / Strong to extreme northwest winds / Alpine temperature of -6.0Monday: Variable cloud with light snowfall / Moderate northwest winds (with extreme gusts) / Alpine temperature of-8.0Tuesday: Light snowfall / Light southwest winds / Alpine temperature of -9.0

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported from the region

Snowpack Summary

Westerly winds have shifted variable amounts of recent snow into wind slabs on lee slopes. A weak interface buried on Jan 23 is down about 15-35 cm. The nature of this interface varies considerably from place to place. In most locations it appears to be well bonded. Buried surface hoar was found in the north Elk Valley, but this is likely to be a localized problem. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Ongoing strong northwest winds will contribute to wind slab development. Watch for triggering below ridgecrests and in gullies. .

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A mixed bag of weak interfaces is buried about 20-30 cm down. The nature of these weaknesses varies greatly from valley to valley.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

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