Summary
Confidence
Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain for the entire period
Weather Forecast
Tuesday: Moderate to strong SW wind. Alpine temperature near +4, dropping during the day. Light snow.Wednesday: Moderate S wind. Alpine temperature near -6. Moderate snow.Thursday: Light snow. Winds and snow increasing late in the day.
Avalanche Summary
Loose wet avalanches to size 1 have been reported in steep, sun-exposed terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Unseasonably warm temperatures in the alpine have led to a melt-freeze cycle on sun-exposed slopes. The surface snow on northerly aspects is dry and heavily wind-affected. Large surface hoar crystals are growing in sheltered terrain below treeline.A surface hoar layer buried down 40-80 cm seems to be gaining strength. Near the base of the snowpack, a crust/facet layer exists, which is now unlikely to be triggered, except perhaps by warming or heavy triggers in unsupported, shallow, rocky terrain where more faceting has taken place.
Problems
Loose Wet
Ongoing loose wet activity is possible with forecast warm temperatures. Watch for triggering in steep, sun-exposed terrain.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornice failure is possible with continued warm temperatures. Watch for triggering when solar influence is strong.
Extra caution is needed around cornices with current conditions.>
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2013 2:00PM
