Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 28th, 2014 7:57AM

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

esharp, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: a weak frontal system will hit the Rockies tomorrow before another ridge builds bringing cold and dry conditions towards the end of the week.Tonight and Wednesday: Flurries with accumulations up to 10cm / Light west winds / Freezing level 1200mThursday: Light flurries / Moderate west winds / Freezing level at valley bottomFriday: Sunny / light north-east winds / Freezing level at valley bottom

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Between 5 and 20cm of new snow overlies a variety of surfaces including: old wind slabs in exposed terrain, well developed surface hoar in sheltered areas, or a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed slopes.The main concern in the region continues to be the weak buried faceted snow which exists in the mid or lower snowpack (depending where you are in the region). Although avalanche activity on this interface has tapered-off lately there is still the potential for large avalanche that could have nasty consequences. Possible triggers for this layer include cornice fall, or a heavy load over a thin spot.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

As the temperature drops triggering an avalanche on deep persistent layers will become less likely. However, large and destructive avalanche may be possible in steep, rocky start zones with thin or variable snow cover.

Conditions are greatly improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Jan 29th, 2014 2:00PM