Summary
Confidence
Good
Weather Forecast
The ridge of high pressure will continue to bring dry conditions until Wednesday at which point the region will see moderate to locally heavy snowfall amounts. Winds are expected to remain generally light from the southwest (moderate in the north). Alpine temperatures are expected to hover around 5.0 on Monday and Tuesday dropping to -6.0 on Wednesday.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported from the region.
Snowpack Summary
Above freezing temperatures at higher elevations have caused snow surfaces to moisten on sun-exposed slopes; however, a nightly crust recovery has been occurring under clear skies. The surface snow on northerly aspects is dry and heavily wind-affected with continued surface hoar development at lower elevations. 40-80 cm below the surface is a persistent weakness of surface hoar that was buried at the beginning of January. Despite recent warming, no recent avalanche activity has occurred at this interface. Having said that, triggering may still be possible in isolated terrain.Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by warming or heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more facetting has taken place.
Problems
Loose Wet
Ongoing loose wet activity is possible with forecast warm temperatures. Watch for triggering in steep, sun-exposed terrain.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornice failure is possible with continued warm temperatures. Watch for triggering when solar influence is strong.
Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.>Extra caution needed around cornices with current warm temperatures.>
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 21st, 2013 2:00PM
