Avalanche forecast

South Rockies

Feb 18 – 19, 2013Avalanche Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

There is quite a bit of loose snow out there right now, particularly to the east of the region. Winds are presently forecast to stay light. If the winds do pick up, avy danger will increase to CONSIDERABLE as fresh wind slabs build.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–4
    Relatively light but locally gusty winds have created wind slabs near ridge lines in exposed areas. If the wind picks up, expect this problem to become more widespread.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Loose snow avalanches running surprisingly far have been observed in the recent new snow, particularly in the east of the region.

Confidence

Fair - Due to variable snowpack conditions

Weather Forecast

Synopsis: Relatively benign weather is anticipated through the forecast period.Tuesday: Flurries. Light northeasterly winds. Freezing level around 1000 m in the afternoon.Wednesday: Light snow Wednesday night and Thursday morning, 2-4 cm. Light winds. Freezing level around 1000 m in the afternoon.Thursday: Clearing, with sunny breaks likely. Light southwest winds. Freeezing level around 900 m.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose snow avalanches have been reported in the recent new snow.

Snowpack Summary

Eastern areas saw  20-25cm new snow in the last storm, while western areas saw just a trace. This new snow overlies old wind slabs on higher north and east facing terrain and sun crusts on solar aspects. Wind slabs are extensive in exposed areas and cornices are reported to be well developed. A surface hoar/facet/sun crust layer from mid February (12th) may be buried in the top 20 cm or so, where it hasn't been blown away by the wind and is likely making some of the wind slabs more touchy. Mid and lower snowpack layers are generally well settled and stable.

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