Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 17th, 2013–Mar 18th, 2013
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: South Rockies.

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Weather Forecast

Monday: Light snow (5-10 cm). Moderate W to NW winds. Alpine temperature near -9.Tuesday: No snow. Light W winds. Alpine temperature near -6.Wednesday: Light snow. Light to moderate SW winds. Alpine temperature near -4.

Avalanche Summary

Observations were limited during Sunday's storm, but it's suspected that some natural activity occurred in response to rapid snow loading.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm snowfall on Sunday landed on a crust above about 2000 m, or moist snow at lower elevations. Ridge top winds have been from SW and NW directions, creating wind slabs on a variety of lee and cross-loaded slopes. Deeper in the snowpack, a series of crust layers makes up the upper snowpack. The mid-pack is reported to be generally well-settled. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Dry

New snow is likely to slide easily on a buried crust. It may have enough force to trip you up or carry you into a terrain trap.
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Be alert for wind slabs behind ridges and terrain breaks. Cornices may be touchy too.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4