Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 15th, 2015 7:57AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

esharp, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Avalanche danger may be higher than forecast if snowfall mounts are greater than expected.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: A fast moving cold front will bring precipitation to the interior of the province through tonight and Friday with the next system forecast to arrive Saturday night. Overnight and Friday: up to 5cm of snow with moderate to strong southwesterly winds and freezing levels around 1500m. Saturday: clearing with light northwesterly winds becoming southwesterly and freezing levels at 1000m Sunday: potentially heavy precipitation with moderate westerly winds and freezing levels rising to 1500m.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been reported.

Snowpack Summary

New snow may overlie a rain crust which exists up to 1900 m. In upper elevation terrain, these modest accumulations overlie hard, stubborn wind slabs. Up to 75 cm below the surface you may find a hard, thick crust which was buried in mid-December. This crust has overlying facets and/or surface hoar. This layer seems variably reactive throughout the region. In areas where the overlying slab is thick and cohesive, large avalanches are possible at this interface. A crust/facet combo which formed in November seems to have gone dormant for the time being.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found on a variety of slopes following recent changes in wind direction. Forecast winds may reload previously scoured terrain on north east aspects

Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A buried persistent weakness, down 30-70 cm, should remain on your radar as it has the potential to produce large avalanches.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack where triggering could be more likely.>Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Jan 16th, 2015 2:00PM