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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 19th, 2017–Jan 20th, 2017
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
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.

Continued unsettled weather with a gradual cooling.

Confidence

Moderate - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

FRIDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries, light south wind, alpine temperature -5, freezing level 800mSATURDAY: Mainly cloudy, wind light southeast, alpine temperature -4SUNDAY: Cloudy with sunny periods and the chance of isolated flurries, wind light south, alpine temperature -6More details can be found on the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Recent reports indicate some explosives triggered avalanches to size 2 in the alpine on west and north aspects.

Snowpack Summary

10-30 cm of new snow accumulation, wind and warming have built wind slabs on wind-loaded features. In sheltered areas, the new snow has possibly buried a layer of feathery surface hoar. The main concern deeper in the snowpack is a layer of sugary facets from mid-December that can be found between 50 and 100 cm deep. This layer was considered dormant during the recent cold weather, but may still become reactive with the recent warm temperatures.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent new snow combined with southwest winds have created windslabs in the lee of terrain features
Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Recent warming will have increased the likelihood of triggering persistent weak layers that have been lingering deeper in the snowpack
Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes. If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3