Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 25th, 2013 9:53AM

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

triley, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Overnight and Saturday: 3-5 cms overnight with moderate Westerly winds and freezing levels going back to the valley bottoms. Another 5 cms during the day (mostly in the South of the region) combined with light Westerly winds and alpine temperatures about -7.0.Sunday: Unsettled weather with overcast skies and strengthening Westerly winds and strong gusts.Monday: Continued unsettled weather.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported.

Snowpack Summary

There is a lot of variability in the recent storm snow amounts and the amount of wind effect across the region. The Harvey Pass area has seen a lot of wind. Thin stiff wind slabs have formed, and fetch areas have been stripped. The Crossing Creek area has seen less wind and about 20 cms of new snow. It was snowing all day Friday, so we expect the storm snow to continue to accumulate. The storm snow has not been reported to be reacting as a cohesive slab.

Problems

Storm Slabs

A new storm slab is expected to develop due to the forecast new snow and wind. The new snow is not expected to bond well to the old hard surfaces. There may also be a weak layer of surface hoar or facets sandwiched between the new snow and the crusts

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2013 2:00PM