Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Feb 7 – 8, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Pockets of windslab are likely to exist at higher elevations and may react to the weight of a skier/rider.

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–4
    Large and potentially weak cornices loom over open slopes. Pay particular attention to cornices with solar warming forecast for the weekend.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

A drying trend is expected to evolve throughout the forecast period as ridge of high pressure becomes firmly established over the region. Friday and Saturday should see a mix of sun and cloud; however, Sunday is more likely to see generally clear skies. Overnight cooling with a strong daytime solar influence becomes more likely throughout the period. Winds are expected to remain generally light and west/northwest.

Avalanche Summary

A few size 1 loose snow avalanches were reported running out of steep headwall features. No other avalanche have been reported.

Snowpack Summary

Dribs and drabs of recent snowfall have been redistributed into softer wind slabs at higher elevations. These accumulations overlie old wind slabs in exposed areas, settled storm snow or spotty surface hoar in more sheltered terrain, and a crust on previously sun-exposed slopes. A variable interface (surface hoar/facets/sun crust) was buried on Jan 23 and is down about 20-40cm. In most locations it now appears to be well bonded.The lower snowpack is generally well-settled. Cornices in the region are reported to be well developed and loom over heavily used slopes. These cornices deserve our respect, especially with clear skies and warming forecast for the weekend.

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