Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 17th, 2013 9:06AM

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.

Danger may be slightly higher in the southeast part of the region, where more snow fell during the recent storm.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: Relatively benign weather is anticipated through the forecast period.Monday: Dry with some sunshine. Winds light southwesterly. Treeline temperatures around -8C in the morning warming to -3 in the afternoon.Tuesday: Dry. Cloudy. Calm. Freezing level around 1000 m in the afternoon.Wednesday: Flurries. Light winds. Freezing level around 1000 m in the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported recently.

Snowpack Summary

Eastern areas saw 10-15cm new snow in the last storm, while western area just a trace. This new 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.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 18th, 2013 2:00PM