Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Feb 2 – 3, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Ongoing strong northwest winds will contribute to wind slab development. Watch for triggering below ridgecrests and in gullies.                                                                  .                                                                                                                                                                                                               

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    A mixed bag of weak interfaces is buried about 20-30 cm down. The nature of these weaknesses varies greatly from valley to valley.

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.

Regions covered