Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 1st, 2013 8:37AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Wet.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Light NW winds. Alpine temperature near 0, with a temperature inversion (colder in the valley). No precipitation.Thursday: Moderate SW winds. Alpine temperature near 0, with a temperature inversion (colder in the valley). Very light snow possible overnight.Friday: Light winds. Alpine temperature near -9. No precipitation.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose dry avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Surface layers may become weak with solar radiation and forecast warming temperatures this week. A generally settled upper snowpack overlies two or more buried crusts. The December crust is found 70-140 cm below the surface and the November crust/facet layer is near the base of the snowpack. Recent snowpack tests have shown little reactivity on these layers, apart from in the Flathead Range near Fernie, where there is a lingering possibility of triggering a deep avalanche in specific thin, rocky snowpack areas. Check out the forecaster’s blogfor more discussion on this.

Problems

Loose Wet

Warming and direct sun may weaken surface snow layers, especially on steep, sun-warmed slopes.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2013 2:00PM