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Avalanche Forecast

Jan 31st, 2013–Feb 1st, 2013
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Rockies.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain on Friday

Weather Forecast

Friday: Moderate W wind. Alpine temperature near -2. Thin cloud with sunny breaks. No snow.Saturday: Light W wind. Alpine temperature rising to near 0. Sunny skies, with valley cloud. No snow.Sunday: Moderate SW wind. Alpine temperature near -9. Light snow.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose dry and soft slab avalanches to size 1.5 have been triggered naturally and by skiers over the last few days.

Snowpack Summary

Recent westerly winds have shifted snow into slabs on lee slopes. A weak interface buried on Jan 23 is down about 15-35 cm. The snow above this interface may be settling into a more reactive slab.The nature of this interface varies considerably from place to place. Buried large surface hoar was found in the North Elk Valley, but this seems to be a localized problem. In other areas, the interface consists of hard wind-affected surfaces, crusts and facets. The lower snowpack is generally well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may be found behind ridges, ribs and gully walls.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.>Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

A mixed bag of weak interfaces is buried about 20-30 cm down. With forecast warming temperatures, the likelihood of triggering a slab may increase.
Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3