Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2013 9:20AM

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

mbender, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Tuesday and Wednesday: Possible sunny breaks with isolated flurries, winds light from the west and alpine temperatures -5. Freezing levels rising to 1000m on Tuesday.Thursday: Mostly overcast with the possibility of light flurries throughout the day. Winds moderate from the west and alpine temperatures of -10.

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

Storm Slabs

Recent snow and wind have created slabs, which may be particularly touchy on slopes lee to the wind.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2013 2:00PM