Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Dec 23 – 24, 2012Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Loose dry snow remains unconsolidated in areas that is protected from the wind. Sluffing may entrain enough snow to bury a rider, or push you into a consequential terrain trap.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–5
    Recent storm snow has set up a storm slab on all aspects. Moderate SW winds have transported storm snow into thick and touchy slabs on mainly north through east aspects.

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

A surface based low spinning just south of the border looks to be bringing only light precipitation to the region. Current models seem to be in agreement that most of the precipitation will hit South of the border, however if it tracks a bit further North areas in the South Rockies may see moderate precipitation amounts over the next 24 hr period. Monday: Snow amounts light. Ridgetop winds light from the South, and alpine temperatures near -15. Freezing levels at valley bottom through the forecast period.Christmas Day: No precipitation expected and scattered cloud cover. Ridgetop winds light from the South. Alpine temperatures near -13.Wednesday: Light snow amounts. Ridgetop winds light from the SW with alpine temperatures near -10.

Avalanche Summary

On Sunday, explosive avalanche control initiated a loose snow avalanche size 1.5. Numerous skier controlled size 1.0 loose snow avalanches were also triggered  on North-East aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm accumulations has built storm slabs ranging in depths from from approximately 20 to 50 cm. Moderate Southerly winds have formed wind slabs on exposed areas in the alpine and at treeline. Most commonly, touchy wind slabs are found on lee slopes and behind terrain features. Loose dry avalanches may be touchy, especially from steeper terrain features. A large enough sluff may have enough force to push you around or even bury you, beware of terrain traps below. Two crusts have been identified in the snowpack: one close to the ground that formed in early November and one around 90 cm below the surface, which formed in early December. Snowpack tests indicate these crusts are well bonded to the snow above and below.

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