Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 18th, 2013 10:01AM

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

jfloyer, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

There is quite a bit of loose snow out there right now, particularly to the east of the region. Winds are presently forecast to stay light. If the winds do pick up, avy danger will increase to CONSIDERABLE as fresh wind slabs build.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: Relatively benign weather is anticipated through the forecast period.Tuesday: Flurries. Light northeasterly winds. Freezing level around 1000 m in the afternoon.Wednesday: Light snow Wednesday night and Thursday morning, 2-4 cm. Light winds. Freezing level around 1000 m in the afternoon.Thursday: Clearing, with sunny breaks likely. Light southwest winds. Freeezing level around 900 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose snow avalanches have been reported in the recent new snow.

Snowpack Summary

Eastern areas saw 20-25cm new snow in the last storm, while western areas saw just a trace. This new snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Wind slabs are extensive in exposed areas and cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 20 cm or so, where it hasn't been blown away by the wind and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Relatively light but locally gusty winds have created wind slabs near ridge lines in exposed areas. If the wind picks up, expect this problem to become more widespread.

Watch freshly wind loaded features.>Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Dry

Loose snow avalanches running surprisingly far have been observed in the recent new snow, particularly in the east of the region.

Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will accumulate into deep deposits.>On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 19th, 2013 2:00PM