Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 12th, 2015 9:02AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

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Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A dry ridge of high pressure will maintain valley cloud and mainly clear conditions in the alpine for Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, however, the ridge is forecast to flatten out allowing for a pacific system to track eastward through the province. Increased cloud is expected by late Thursday afternoon. Winds should be mostly light to moderate from the northwest, switching to moderate and southwesterly on Thursday. Freezing levels should remain at or near valley bottom, although a sharp inversion is forecast for Wednesday with above-freezing temperatures in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of new snow may overlie a melt-freeze crust which exists below treeline and on south-facing slopes. In upper elevation terrain, these modest accumulations overlie hard, stubborn wind slabs. Up to 75 cm below the surface you may find a hard, thick crust which formed mid-December. This crust has overlying facets and/or surface hoar. This layer seems variably reactive throughout the region. In areas where the overlying slab is thick and cohesive, large avalanches are possible at this interface. A crust/facet combo which formed in November seems to have gone dormant for the time being.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Storm accumulations from last week have likely gained significant strength, although lingering wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggering in high elevation lee terrain.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A buried persistent weakness, down 30-70 cm, should remain on your radar as it has the potential to produce large avalanches.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack where triggering could be more likely.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Jan 13th, 2015 2:00PM