Avalanche Forecast
Regions: South Rockies.
Confidence
Fair - Due to the number of field observations
Weather Forecast
A dry ridge of high pressure will dominate the region for the period. Valley cloud may develop, although generally clear skies are expected at higher elevations. Winds are forecast to remain light from the northwest, while freezing levels should hover at (or near) valley bottom.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
A dusting of new snow may overlie a melt-freeze crust which exists below treeline and on south-facing slopes. In upper elevation terrain, these modest accumulations overlie hard, stubborn wind slabs. Up to 75 cm below the surface you may find a hard, thick crust which formed mid-December. This crust has overlying facets and/or surface hoar. This layer seems variably reactive throughout the region. In areas where the overlying slab is thick and cohesive, large avalanches are possible at this interface. A crust/facet combo which formed in November seems to have gone dormant for the time being.
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 3
Persistent Slabs
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible
Expected Size: 1 - 4