Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2012 9:35AM

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

swerner, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

An approaching pacific frontal system will bring light -moderate precipitation to the region tonight with snow amounts up to 5cms. Tuesday: Cloudy with possible sunny breaks. Chance of light precipitation. Ridgetop winds will be 50-75km/hr from the West. Freezing levels may rise to 1300m during the day then fall back to valley bottom. Wednesday: Mix of sun and clouds. Ridgetop winds 55-70km/hr from the West. Freezing levels could rise to 1300m then drop to valley bottom. Thursday: Snow amounts up to 5-10cms. Ridgetop winds near 70km/hr from the West.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported. Yesterday skiers remotely triggered a size 2.0 slide from 10 metres away, that was 60 cm deep, 70 metres wide, and 75 metres in length.

Snowpack Summary

Tests in Hartly Creek on Saturday showed easy results down 20 cm on a layer of stellar crystals. Height of snow in the Koko Claims area is 120 cm at 200 metres. The mid-december surface hoar is down about 30 cm. The mid-pack is generally well consolidated, and there is a 20 cm layer of 4F facets and depth hoar at the ground. The surface hoar is producing easy to moderate shear test results.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can be found on North through Southeast aspects. Cross-loading is possible on open slopes oriented parallel to the wind. You may find wind slabs further down the slope or on open wind exposed areas below treeline.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Warm temperatures may consolidate the snow above the surface hoar into a slab that may propagate wide avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Jan 4th, 2012 8:00AM