Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 26th, 2013 10:06AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Freezing levels are uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Possible sunny breaks with isolated flurries, winds moderate from the west and alpine temperatures -8. Freezing level rising to 1000m.Thursday: Light snow, winds moderate from the west and alpine temperatures of -6. Freezing level rising to 1300m.Friday: Light snow throughout the day, light southwesterly winds and alpine temperatures -5. Freezing level rising to 1800.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose dry avalanches (size 1.5) failed naturally (some with cornice fall as the trigger) and with skier traffic in steep terrain on Friday and Saturday. In the south-east of the region, a couple of size 2 slabs were triggered by explosives.

Snowpack Summary

10-30 cm of snow which fell on Friday added to recent snowfall above old surfaces including loose dry snow, old wind slabs and sun crusts. This recent snow has been shifted onto lee slopes by strong SW to NW winds. New storm slabs, cornices and wind slabs are likely. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent winds created slabs in the lee of terrain features.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.>Be aware of thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilites.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 27th, 2013 2:00PM