Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2013 10:05AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Sunday: Strong W winds. Light to moderate snow, starting late in the day. Alpine temperature around -6.Monday: Light to moderate NW winds. Light snow. Alpine temperature around -7.Tuesday: Light SW winds. Light snow. Alpine temperature around -7.

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, naturally triggered (some by cornice fall) slabs to size 2 were observed on steep slopes. Numerous loose dry avalanches (size 1.5) failed naturally (some with cornice fall as the trigger) and with skier traffic in steep terrain on Friday. In the south-east of the region, a size 2 slab was triggered by explosives.

Snowpack Summary

10-30 cm of snow which fell on Friday added to recent snowfall above old surfaces including loose dry snow, old wind slabs and sun crusts. This recent snow (up to 50 cm total) has been shifted onto lee slopes by strong SW to NW winds. New storm slabs, cornices and wind slabs are likely. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snow and wind has created touchy slabs, particularly in the lee of terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2013 2:00PM