Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 28th, 2013 9:26AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Avalanche danger could rise to CONSIDERABLE in areas with enhanced snowfall on Monday night.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Monday night: Thereâ€™s a chance of enhanced snowfall overnight, bringing locally heavy amounts. I'm not banking on this, so if there is a lot of snow (20 cm +) in your local area, consider the posted danger ratings too low. Strong NW winds are also possible.Tuesday: Light SW winds. Alpine temperature near -15. Very light snow. Wednesday: Strong NW winds. Alpine temperature near -11. Very light snow.Thursday: Light W winds. Alpine temperature near -9. Very light snow.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose dry avalanches to size 1.5 were observed on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Recent snowfall amounts and winds have been variable across the region. Around 15-35 cm snow overlies old surfaces buried on Jan 23. Preserved surface hoar up to 21 mm in size has been found in the North Elk Valley, buried by about 15 cm of snow. It doesn't appear to be a widespread layer, but could be a localized problem once buried with further snowfall. The most wind-affected areas, including Crowsnest Pass and Harvey Pass, have scoured south and west-facing slopes. Wind slabs may be found on lee slopes.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found behind ridges, ribs and gully walls. Storm slabs and loose dry avalanches may be encountered in terrain not affected by wind.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Jan 29th, 2013 2:00PM