Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 24th, 2014 8:44AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Intense solar warming on alpine slopes may not be obvious if you're trapped within the valley cloud. Be aware of terrain above you.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure will continue to bring mainly clear skies, valley cloud and dry conditions for Saturday and Sunday morning. By late Sunday and into Monday there may be some increased upper level cloud, but no significant precipitation is expected. An inversion with above freezing alpine temperatures should persist until Sunday morning with more seasonal temperatures developing by Monday. Winds are forecast to be light and northerly.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Light amounts of new snow overlie a variety of surfaces which include old, stubborn wind slabs in exposed terrain or well developed surface hoar in sheltered areas. Sun-exposed slopes are seeing a daily melt-freeze cycle. The main concern in the region appears to be weak buried facet crystals. The facet layer, which exists in the mid or lower snowpack (depending where you are in the region), was responsible for some serious close calls last week. Although activity at this interface has tapered-off, this persistent problem has potential to re-awaken with warming forecast for the next few days. Other possible triggers for this layer include cornice fall, or a heavy load over a thin spot.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Warming forecast for the next few days may re-activate weaknesses buried deep in the snowpack. Although they have become less likely, avalanches on these layers could be destructive.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

Above freezing temperatures will have a destabilizing effect on the snowpack, especially at upper elevations where the forecast inversion will pack a punch.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 25th, 2014 2:00PM