Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2014 8:18AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure will continue to dominate the region bringing mainly clear skies and dry conditions for the forecast period. Another inversion will set in for all 3 days with above freezing alpine temperatures. Winds should remain mainly light and west/northwesterly.

Avalanche Summary

Very isolated wind slabs to size 1.5 were reported to have been triggered in the Elk Valley South area. They occurred in response to new snow on Tuesday night.

Snowpack Summary

Light amounts of new snow overlie a variety of surfaces which include: old, stubborn wind slabs in exposed terrain, well developed surface hoar in sheltered areas or a melt-freeze crust on steep, previously sun-exposed slopes. The main concern in the region appears to be weak buried facet crystals. The facet layer, which exists in the mid or lower snowpack (depending where you are in the region), was responsible for some serious close calls last week. Although activity at this interface has tapered-off, this persistent problem has potential to re-awaken with warming forecast for the next few days. Other possible triggers for this layer include cornice fall, or a heavy load over a thin spot.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Warming forecast for the next few days may re-activate weaknesses buried deep in the snowpack. Although they have become less likely, avalanches on these layers could be destructive.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

Above freezing temperatures will have a destabilizing effect on the snowpack, especially at upper elevations where the forecast inversion will pack a punch.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.>Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 24th, 2014 2:00PM