Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 26th, 2016 8:27AM

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

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Solar radiation may increase the hazard higher than forecasted on south facing terrain. Give cornices a wide berth during these warm conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

No snow in the forecast other than 5-10cm Sunday. Generally moderate westerly ridgetop winds with cooling temps(1800m freezing levels) after a major spike in freezing levels on Friday.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday numerous loose wet size 1 skier controlled avalanches were reported on steep south facing aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and looming. Old wind slabs are well bonded but could fail with daytime heating on solar aspects. The mid February layer is down 45-65cm and is a crust in most areas. This layer is generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated ares there is surface hoar or facets overlying this crust making the interface much more likely to produce large avalanches.

Problems

Cornices

Expect conditions to change rapidly if the sun comes out.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating. >Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Avoid cornice threatened slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Solar radiation will greatly increase the reactivity of old wind slabs.

Avoid wind loaded features if sun comes out.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 27th, 2016 2:00PM