Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2014 8:04AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Monday: Mainly clear skies / Light northerly winds / Freezing level at surfaceTuesday: Clear skies / Light northwesterly winds / Freezing level at 1100mWednesday: Light snowfall / Light west winds / Freezing level at surface

Avalanche Summary

Over the weekend solar heating triggered numerous loose wet avalanches on steep, south-facing alpine terrain. No other recent activity was reported.

Snowpack Summary

Light amounts of new snow overlie a variety of surfaces which include old, stubborn wind slabs in exposed terrain or well developed surface hoar in sheltered areas. Sun-exposed slopes are now sporting a melt-freeze crust. The main concern in the region appears to be weak buried facet crystals which exist in the mid or lower snowpack (depending where you are in the region). Although activity at this interface has tapered-off, avalanches at this interface could have nasty consequences. Other possible triggers for this layer include cornice fall, or a heavy load over a thin spot.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

With forecast cooling avalanches on deep persistent layers will become unlikely. Triggering may be possible with a heavy load in steep, rocky start zones with a thin or variable snow cover.

Conditions are greatly improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2014 2:00PM