Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Rockies.
Keep an eye on the snow surface, as it becomes moist from solar input the size and likelihood of avalanches will increase.
Confidence
Moderate - We are confident the likelihood of avalanche will increase with the arrival of the forecast weather.
Weather Forecast
Tuesday night: Light flurries bringing trace amounts of new snow and moderate west winds. Low of -8 at 2000 m.
Wednesday: Sunny with no new snow expected and moderate west winds. Freezing level rising to 2000 m.
Thursday: Sunny with no new snow expected. Moderate to strong westerly winds and freezing levels rising to 2500 m.
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with the possibility of light flurries bringing trace amounts of snow to the alpine and rain below. Strong southwest winds and freezing levels around 2500 m.
Avalanche Summary
We suspect new rider triggerable wind slabs can be found in exposed terrain at treeline and above. As the sun comes out wet loose avalanches will likely be observed in steep terrain on all sun exposed slopes.
Snowpack Summary
New wind slabs exist on exposed alpine and treeline terrain. A crust exists on or near the surface on all aspects to around 2500 m and likely to mountain top on sun affected slopes. Moist snow will likely be observed at lower elevations and on all sun exposed slopes.Â
The mid and lower snowpack is well settled and bonded.
Terrain and Travel
- Avoid sun exposed slopes, especially if snow surface is moist or wet.
- Avoid exposure to slopes that have cornices overhead.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
expect wet loose avalanches in steep terrain. Size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase throughout the day.
Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Cornices
The likelihood of natural cornice falls could increase with solar input. Avoid traveling on slopes with cornices looming above.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs exist in exposed treeline and alpine terrain. Size and sensitivity to triggering could be greater where wind slab has formed over a crust. Strong winds mean that wind slabs could be found further down slope than expected.
Aspects: North, North East, East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2