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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 18th, 2013–Jan 19th, 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
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
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

Regions: Purcells.

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Moderate to strong NW winds. Alpine temperature near -3. No snow.Sunday: Light to moderate W winds. Alpine temperature near -3. No snow.Monday: Light to moderate W winds. Alpine temperature near -2. No snow.

Avalanche Summary

A couple of slabs (size 1 and 2.5) failed naturally on NW aspects at around 2400 m on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Ongoing strong to extreme NW to SW winds have stripped windward aspects and left wind slabs on many lee slopes, even below treeline. Around 40-60 cm settled storm snow sits above surface hoar (found especially at and below treeline in sheltered areas), a sun crust (on steep S to SW -facing slopes) and facets. The distribution of these weaknesses is patchy, but where they exist, it may still be possible to trigger a large avalanche with the weight of a person or snowmobile. Test results on these interfaces vary from no result to moderate, sudden results. A strong mid-pack overlies a weak facet/crust layer near the base of the snowpack, which is now considered inactive.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found behind terrain breaks such as ridges and ribs. It may be possible for a wind slab to step down to a deeper instability.
Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 5

Persistent Slabs

Triggering persistent slabs is becoming less likely, but a cautious approach is still advised. Take extra care on steep south-facing alpine slopes and in sheltered terrain below treeline.
Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Be aware of thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilites.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 6