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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 24th, 2012–Jan 25th, 2012
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
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

Regions: South Rockies.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Tuesday night's storm is forecasted to bring 10 - 15 cm of medium density snow to the region along with monster winds out of the W/SW in excess of 100 km/h. Lingering precip will still be present at breakfast time but precip should cease before lunch. Winds are expected to be a factor all day, although they will taper from extreme to strong values at ridge top in the afternoon. A weak system is expected to brush by the area Thursday but very little precip is expected at this time. High pressure moves in Thursday afternoon & sticks in place through Friday.

Avalanche Summary

Very little avalanche activity has been reported or observed recently.

Snowpack Summary

Last week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo which has settled remarkably quickly. Our field team was out over the weekend covering ground & they saw very little in the way of avalanche activity.Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive. There may have been releases on this layer post storm but at this time nothing has been reported. It should be noted that basal facets exist in many parts of the region too. Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds are expected to be in excess of 100 km/h Wednesday morning, tapering in the afternoon. These winds will affect both the alpine and treeline elevation bands. Expect potentially sensitive wind slabs on slopes lee to the W, SW winds.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Storm Slabs

Tuesday nights storm is forecasted to bring 10 - 15 cm to the region. Watch for small loose snow avalanches in protected areas & soft slab avalanches in areas that are exposed to even a small amount of wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3