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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 20th, 2013–Feb 21st, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
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.

A good sized storm is poised to hit the region late on Friday. Avalanche danger will increase accordingly.

Confidence

Fair - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: A storm impacts this region late on Friday.Thursday: Dry. Winds light westerly. Freezing level around 1000 m.Friday: 5-10 cm new snow is expected, starting late in the day. Extreme southwesterly winds to 90 km/h at ridgetop. Freezing level 1100 m.Saturday: Light snow in the morning, dry in the afternoon. Winds becoming light northwesterly. Freezing level 1000 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose snow avalanches have been reported in the recent new snow.

Snowpack Summary

Southeastern parts of the region have seen 30-50cm new snow in the last few days, while western areas have seen more like 10-20 cm. Mostly this snow has been light and overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. There may be localized areas where the wind has blown the new snow into isolated wind slabs in exposed areas. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 35 cm or so, but has not been widely reported from this region. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Relatively light but locally gusty winds have created wind slabs near ridge lines in exposed areas. If the wind picks up, expect this problem to become more widespread.
Watch freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4