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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 5th, 2013–Jan 6th, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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: Purcells.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of light flurries and temperatures reaching -5. Winds should be light southwesterlies with occasional gusts to 40km/h.Monday: A mix of sun and cloud, with precipitation building through the afternoon into the evening. Temperatures should reach -8 with light west/southwest winds.Tuesday: Expect continued light snowfalls under light southwest winds with temperatures reaching -8.

Avalanche Summary

Small windslabs up to size 1.5 have been reported, failing in immediate lee locations of ridgelines. Sluffing up to size 1.0 continues.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10cm of light density new snow overlies the January 4th interface. Moderate and strong south/southwest winds have redistributed this new snow into small windslabs in immediate lee features in the alpine and exposed treeline and these windslabs are reactive to human triggering.The January 4th interface consists predominantly of loose facets up to 30cm deep. In isolated locations (sheltered treeline and below treeline) surface hoar is present and there is a sun crust on steep south and west facing terrain. High in the alpine in exposed locations, old windslabs linger.The midpack is well bonded and strong. The deep crust/facet combo from early November still exists and concern remains (although unlikely) for triggering this layer from a shallow spot.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for newly formed windslabs by W and SW winds and old, buried windslabs in lee and cross loaded terrain features.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4