Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 24th, 2013 9:47AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Avalanche danger may rise if snowfall amounts exceed what is forecast.

Summary

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Sunday night: Light snow. Strong W winds. Alpine temperature around -12.Monday: 10-15 cm snow. Moderate to strong NW winds. Alpine temperature around -9.Tuesday: Light snow or flurries, with sunny breaks. Light winds. Alpine temperature around -7.Wednesday: Light snow. Light winds. Alpine temperature around -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.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 25th, 2013 2:00PM