Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 3rd, 2014 8:47AM

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

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud are expected for the forecast period. Winds are forecast to be mainly moderate to strong from the northeast. Alpine temperatures should hover between -20 and -25 for Tuesday and Wednesday with some very slight warming on Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, isolated pillows of wind slab formed in the immediate lee of ridge crests and were reactive to the weight of a skier. Ongoing wind slab activity is expected with forecast moderate to strong winds.

Snowpack Summary

Generally light amounts of recent snow overlie well developed surface hoar (which seems most prevalent west of Crowsnest Pass), old, unreactive wind slabs and a melt-freeze crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. In some parts of the region the recent accumulations have been shifted by moderate winds into soft wind slabs.Weak faceted snow exists in the mid or lower snowpack (depending where you are in the region). Although these weaknesses still appear in some snowpack tests, avalanches at this interface have become unlikely to trigger.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong winds are expected to redistribute loose surface snow into reactive wind slabs. Watch for triggering in unusual locations due to forecast northeast winds.

Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 4th, 2014 2:00PM