Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 24th, 2013–Jan 25th, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Rockies.

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Friday: 2-5 cms is expected overnight combined with strong Westerly winds. Another 2-5 cms is forecast during the day as the winds lower to moderate values. The next pulse of moisture is expected to start late Friday night or Saturday morning and could bring 5-10 cms.Saturday: Overcast with Light flurries and -11.0 in the alpine.Sunday :Light flurries in the morning with a chance of broken skies in the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

Variable hard surfaces like wind slabs and sun crusts developed during the recent period with no precipitation. Some areas have a weak layer of surface hoar and/or surface facets that were on top of the hard sliding layers that are now buried. The new storm snow has not bonded well to these old surfaces, but reports suggest that the new snow has not consolidated into a cohesive slab. Forecast snow is expected to continue to develop a storm slab above the weak layers and sliding surfaces.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

A new storm slab is expected to develop due to the forecast new snow and wind. The new snow is not expected to bond well to the old hard surfaces. There may also be a weak layer of surface hoar or facets sandwiched between the new snow and the crusts

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3