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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 15th, 2013–Mar 16th, 2013
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Rockies.

Watch for ongoing loose wet avalanche activity on Saturday if temperatures don't drop overnight as forecast.

Confidence

Poor - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Friday night: No snow. Moderate W winds. Alpine temperature near -9. Saturday: Light snow. Moderate to strong W winds. Alpine temperature near -6.Sunday: Light snow. Moderate to strong NW winds. Alpine temperature near -9.Monday: Light snow. Light SW winds. Alpine temperature near -10.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred over the last couple of days in response to heavy rain and/or snow and wind loading. Many were loose wet avalanches in the size 1-2.5 range, which entrained loose moist snow as they travelled. Some size 3 avalanches were reported to have failed at ground in the SE corner of the region. Several wind slabs and cornice-triggered storm/wind slabs were also observed.

Snowpack Summary

The recent warm storm dropped 10-30 cm of dense snow above about  2000 m and soaked the snowpack with rain below at lower elevations.  At high elevations, snow has been transported by strong SW and W winds, creating wind slabs. Cornices have become fragile with continued warmth. The new snow has not been bonding well to the underlying surfaces, causing natural avalanche activity. Deeper in the snowpack, crusts exist, which can act as sliding surfaces for large avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow will take some time to stabilize, particularly if temperatures remain mild.
Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Watch for wet loose or slab activity, especially in steep low elevation terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 6

Cornices

Cornices can act as a trigger for avalanches on slopes below.
Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 5