Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Feb 1 – 2, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Saturday’s danger ratings are based on intense sunshine and warming affecting the upper snowpack.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Wind slabs may be found behind ridges, ribs and gully walls.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    A mixed bag of weak interfaces is buried about 20-30 cm down. With forecast warming temperatures, the likelihood of triggering a slab may increase.

Confidence

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

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Light W wind. Alpine temperature rising to near 0. Sunny skies, with valley cloud. No snow.Sunday: Moderate to strong SW wind. Alpine temperature near -7. Light snow is possible.Monday: Light SW wind. Alpine temperature near -7. Light snow.

Avalanche Summary

A few small loose dry avalanches have been triggered naturally and by skiers over the last few days.

Snowpack Summary

Recent westerly winds have shifted snow into small slabs on lee slopes. Cornices can be found. An interface buried on Jan 23 is down about 20-35 cm. The nature of this interface varies considerably from place to place. In most locations it appears to be well bonded. Buried surface hoar was found in the north Elk Valley, but this is likely to be a localized problem. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled. Solar warming on Saturday may weaken the upper snowpack. This is expected to be short-lived, with cooler temperatures and cloud forecast for Sunday.

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