Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Mar 19 – 20, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Snowfall amounts are uncertain. If there's heavy snowfall in your area, the local avalanche danger may be higher than posted.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–4
    New storm slabs may develop during Wednesday’s storm. Lee loaded slopes and spill zones may be particularly touchy. A buried crust may provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches.

Weather Forecast

Wednesday: Light to moderate snow. A period of intense snowfall is expected in the afternoon. Strong to extreme SW winds. Alpine temperature near -4.Thursday: Light to moderate snow. Light to moderate SW winds. Alpine temperature near -14.Friday: Light to moderate snow. Light winds. Alpine temperature near -11.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday, numerous loose snow avalanches to size 1 failed naturally in steep terrain. Natural avalanche activity is particularly likely at times of intense loading on Wednesday.

Confidence

Poor - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain for the entire period

Snowpack Summary

New storm slabs may develop during Wednesday’s forecast storm. Wind-loaded slopes and spill zones (fans where snow accumulates below steep faces) may be particularly touchy. A buried rain crust may provide an easy sliding surface for avalanches. This crust is supportive to at least 2100 m in most areas and is up to 9 cm thick. It’s thought to be strong enough that snowpack weaknesses below it won’t be affected by the load of a person, with the caveat that there may be isolated exceptions (e.g. thin spots near rocks at high elevations). The mid-pack is generally well-settled. Cornices are large and fragile in some areas.

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