Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 22nd, 2013–Jan 23rd, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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: South Rockies.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries picking up throughout the day. Moderate to strong southwesterly winds with freezing levels in valley bottoms. Thursday: Expect 5-10cm of new snow by the morning with cloudy skies and isolated flurries throughout the day, winds should ease off and freezing levels are expected to remain in valley bottoms. Friday: Cloudy with isolated flurries, light to moderate winds and freezing levels remaining in valley bottoms.

Avalanche Summary

Recent activity has been limited to isolated relatively harmless wet loose snow avalanches on sun-exposed slopes.

Snowpack Summary

In general, the region has a relatively shallow, faceted, and wind-affected snowpack that is well settled with progressively stiffer and stronger snow with depth. Large surface hoar growth and surface faceting continues in sheltered and shady areas, while sun-exposed slopes have been subject to melt-freeze cycles. Open unprotected areas are highly wind-effected with scoured areas, hard wind slab, sastrugi, and delicate cornices. All of these current snow surfaces will likely provide a poor bond once buried, and will be especially concerning when and where a sufficiently deep and cohesive slab develops.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for isolated old stubborn and fresh touchy wind slabs below ridge crests, behind terrain features and in cross-loaded gullies.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4