Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Dec 20 – 21, 2012Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Watch out for potentially higher snowfall amounts in the south of the region.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–5
    The new storm is expected to develop a storm slab on all aspects. The forecast strong SW winds may transport storm snow into thick and touchy slabs on north through east aspects.

Confidence

Poor - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Friday: Light snowfall is expected to continue overnight Thursday but taper off Friday morning. Up to 5 cm can be expected by noon on Friday. Treeline temperatures are expected to be around -2C. Winds moderate southwesterly.Saturday: The south of the region could see 10 cm new snow Friday night with further light amounts during the day on Saturday. Treeline temperatures falling to around -8. Winds gusting to around 60 km/h from the SW.Sunday: Should be dry. Temperatures continuing their downward trend. Winds light southwesterly.

Avalanche Summary

No observations were made due to poor visibility. One loud avalanche was heard running in the alpine on Wednesday afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

Only relatively small amounts of new snow have been added since the more significant storms at the beginning of the week. Storm slab depths are variable from approximately 20 to 45 cm. Moderate to strong Southwest winds have recently been moving snow at treeline and in the alpine--expect wind slabs to be developing in exposed lee areas. Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November and one around 90 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Snowpack tests indicate these crusts are well bonded to the snow above and below.

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