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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 19th, 2013–Mar 20th, 2013
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Rockies.

Snowfall amounts are uncertain. If there's heavy snowfall in your area, the local avalanche danger may be higher than posted.

Confidence

Poor - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Light to moderate snow. A period of intense snowfall is expected in the afternoon. Strong to extreme SW winds. Alpine temperature near -4.Thursday: Light to moderate snow. Light to moderate SW winds. Alpine temperature near -14.Friday: Light to moderate snow. Light winds. Alpine temperature near -11.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, numerous loose snow avalanches to size 1 failed naturally in steep terrain. Natural avalanche activity is particularly likely at times of intense loading on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

New storm slabs may develop during Wednesday’s forecast storm. Wind-loaded slopes and spill zones (fans where snow accumulates below steep faces) may be particularly touchy. A buried rain crust may provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches. This crust is supportive to at least 2100 m in most areas and is up to 9 cm thick. It’s thought to be strong enough that snowpack weaknesses below it won’t be affected by the load of a person, with the caveat that there may be isolated exceptions (e.g. thin spots near rocks at high elevations). The mid-pack is generally well-settled. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

New storm slabs may develop during Wednesday’s storm. Lee loaded slopes and spill zones may be particularly touchy. A buried crust may provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4