Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2014 7:55AM

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

slemieux, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

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Summary

Confidence

Fair - Wind effect is extremely variable

Weather Forecast

Tonight and Wednesday: A ridge of high pressure is bringing cold and clear conditions. Light to moderate winds from the E are forecasted, mainly clear skies and temperatures around -15 C.Thursday: The ridge remains dominant bringing similar conditions with light winds from the E and slightly warmer temperatures (-13 C).Friday: Similar conditions with lighter winds and increasing cloud cover.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches were reported.

Snowpack Summary

Recent N and NE winds have developed 10 to 40 cm thick windslabs on lee and cross-loaded alpine featured. In sheltered terrain, about 20 cm of dry light snow is sitting on a surface hoar layer, on old unreactive wind slabs or a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. Cold temperatures are continuing to transform snow into facets at the surface or all the way down to the ground where the snowpack is thinner. The deep persistent weak layers are not as much of a concern at this moment because of the relatively stable weather pattern.

Problems

Wind Slabs

There has been recent wind loading from N and NE winds in the alpine and at treeline ridgetop. These windslabs will be sensitive to skier or sledder triggering tomorrow and possibly for a few more days.

Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2014 2:00PM