Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2012 8:57AM

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

pgoddard, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Friday: Moderate NW winds. Alpine temp -8. Very light snow.Saturday: Strong SW winds. Alpine temp -7. Light snow. Sunday: Light SW winds. Alpine temp -12. Light snow.

Avalanche Summary

There have been no avalanches reported in the last couple of days.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs exist on slopes lee to the west. Below these surface layers, the snowpack is reported to be generally well-settled. Snowpack depth is below threshold for avalanches below about 1400 m (or as high as 1800 m on some slopes). Cornices have grown large in some areas.We are still watching a few layers, but recent snowpack tests have suggested that these are generally fairly well bonded. There is a buried rain crust in the upper snowpack which fizzles out at about 1800 m. A localized layer of surface hoar buried about 1 m down may still exist in sheltered pockets. At the base of the snowpack, a variable early November crust/facet layer exists. Any of these layers could become reactive with heavy loading, or if triggered from a thin snowpack area.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found on alpine slopes and behind ridges and ribs at treeline.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>Be aware of thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilites.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2012 2:00PM