Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Jan 27 – 28, 2014Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–4
    As the temperatures drop triggering an avalanches on deep persistent layers will become unlikely. However, triggering may be possible in steep, rocky start zones with a thin or variable snow cover.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Tuesday: Clear skies / Light northwesterly winds / Freezing level at 1100mWednesday: Light snowfall / Light west winds / Freezing level at valley bottomThursday: Light flurries/ Light west winds / Freezing level at valley bottom

Avalanche Summary

Over the weekend solar heating triggered numerous loose wet avalanches on steep, south-facing alpine terrain. No other recent activity was reported.

Snowpack Summary

Between 5 and 20cm of new snow overlies a variety of surfaces which include old, stubborn wind slabs in exposed terrain or well developed surface hoar in sheltered areas. Sun-exposed slopes are now sporting a melt-freeze crust. The main concern in the region appears to be weak buried facet crystals which exist in the mid or lower snowpack (depending where you are in the region). Although activity at this interface has tapered-off, avalanches at this interface could have nasty consequences. Other possible triggers for this layer include cornice fall, or a heavy load over a thin spot.

Regions covered