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Avalanche Forecast

Mar 4th, 2013–Mar 5th, 2013
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
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
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.

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Tonight and Tuesday: A weak ridge remains, while cloud from the next approaching low will result in some increasing cloudiness Tuesday afternoon. Ridgetop winds will blow light from the South with light snowfall amounts. Alpine temperatures near -9 and freezing levels 1200 m.Tuesday night and Wednesday: A low pressure system will move inland. The bulk of this system will remain South of the border, but some cloud and light precipitation will spread into the southeastern ranges. Ridgetop winds light from the SW. Alpine temperatures near -6 and freezing levels 1600 m in the afternoon, falling to valley bottom overnight.Thursday: Generally clear and dry, with possible light snow amounts. Ridgetop winds light from the SW. Alpine temperatures near -5 and freezing levels 1700 m, falling overnight.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday sluffing occurred from steep terrain features up to size 1.0. No new observations reported on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 40 cm of storm snow has fallen. Storm slabs have been reactive naturally, especially on slopes lee to the wind. The new snow has been transported onto lee slopes by strong west and southwest winds creating wind slabs. Cornices have grown large on ridgelines and may become weak, especially if the sun shines through. In areas unaffected by the wind, loose dry sluffs are likely.Below treeline exists a melt -freeze crust which may deteriorate in the afternoon if temperatures get warm enough. I suspect this crust is bridging and instabilities that may sit beneathMid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Significant storm slabs have built, especially at upper elevations. They may be particularly touchy on slopes lee of the wind and are likely triggered by the weight of a person. If the sun shines through, natural avalanche activity may spike.
If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 5

Cornices

Large cornices have formed with recent snow and wind. They may be weak and fail, especially if the sun comes out. Cornice fall in itself is dangerous, plus it could trigger slab avalanches on slopes below.
Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Loose Dry

Loose dry avalanches may occur, especially from steeper terrain features and slopes that have seen little wind effect.
Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4