Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Mar 15 – 16, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

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

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–5
    Cornices can act as a trigger for avalanches on slopes below.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–6
    Recent storm snow will take some time to stabilize, particularly if temperatures remain mild.

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.

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