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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 8th, 2013–Jan 9th, 2013
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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.

Cautious decision making is essential for the forecast period. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during periods of HIGH danger.

Confidence

Poor - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Cloudy with lingering snowfall. Expect up to 40cm of total accumulations. Winds should be strong southwesterlies with freezing levels climbing to 1200m.Thursday: Expect some light flurries. As the storm abates, winds should drop dramatically to light southerlies and temperatures reach -13.Friday: Mixed skies with light winds and temperatures around -15

Avalanche Summary

Isolated windslabs have released up to size 1.5.

Snowpack Summary

In isolated areas, up to 20cm of new snow has fallen. In areas with northerly winds, the new snow has been transported into reactive windslabs on south facing terrain (reverse loading).This new snow overlies significant snow depth and layer variabilities. Hard windslabs, hard pressed snow (windward slopes) and previous wind scour are all lightly buried. In more sheltered areas at and below treeline small surface hoar is buried and on south and west facing terrain the interface is a sun crust. The mid pack is well settled and strong. This overlies one or two crusts (location specific) with the higher crust being as shallow as 70cm below the surface. Concern lingers (unlikely) for triggering a deep slab avalanche in a shallow snowpack area.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New windslabs are forming with the continuous strong winds and new storm snow.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 5

Storm Slabs

Expect up to 40cm of new snow.
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4