Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 3rd, 2013 9:24AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, 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

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

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.

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.

Problems

Wind Slabs

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

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A mixed bag of weak interfaces is buried about 15-30 cm down. The nature of these weaknesses varies greatly from valley to valley.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 4th, 2013 2:00PM