Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 27th, 2016 7:30AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Cornices and Loose Wet.

jsmith, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Solar radiation may increase the hazard higher than forecasted on solar aspects. Give cornices a wide berth during these warm conditions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Unsettled weather on Sunday with flurries likely not amounting to more than 5cm. Moderate to strong westerly ridgetop winds on Sunday/Monday. Freezing levels should remain under 1700m throughout the forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

On Friday several natural loose wet size 1 avalanches were reported on steep solar aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Cornices are large and looming. Minimal overnight crust recovery. The mid February layer is down 45-65cm and is a crust in most areas. This layer is generally well bonded to the overlying persistent slab. However, in isolated ares there is surface hoar or facets overlying this crust making the interface much more likely to produce large avalanches.

Problems

Cornices

Falling cornices can trigger large loose snow avalanches.

Avoid cornice threatened slopes.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Cornices become weak with daytime heating. >

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Wet

Remember small avalanches can have severe consequence in terrain with high fall hazard.

Look for signs of surface instabilities such as pinwheeling and point releasing in steep rocky terrain.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 28th, 2016 2:00PM