Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Nov 22 – 23, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Please note this bulletin is based on limited information. If you have been out and have observations, please send them to [email protected]

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Fresh wind slab is widespread and likely triggerable on steep, convex slopes near summits and ridgelines.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–4
    There may be slopes where deeper instabilities may be triggered, especially during forecast warm weather this weekend. The most likely candidates are alpine slopes facing SW to N where no previous avalanche activity has been noted.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure will dominate the pattern through the period.Saturday: Dry and sunny. A temperature inversion will bring warm alpine temperatures of up to 5C, valleys may be substantially cooler. Winds light northwesterly.Sunday and Monday: Pretty much the same as Saturday, except the strength of the inversion will likely diminish and winds may pick up slightly for Sunday.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche activity was reported in pockets of deeper snow from Monday (18th) and Tuesday (19th) in both western and eastern areas of the region. Activity appears to have tapered off. Recent slope tests have produced results only in isolated pockets of wind slab on steep convex rolls.

Snowpack Summary

Treeline snowpack depths in sheltered areas vary between approximately 40-80 cm. In the alpine, coverage is highly variable due to recent high winds. A crust or significant density change may exist around 40 cm below the surface. This has been reported to have weak faceted crystals above and below, and produces sudden "pop" results in compression tests. Below this near the base of the snowpack, an earlier crust buried in October lies close to the ground. This layer may still be of concern on isolated smooth terrain features that have not seen avalanche activity.

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