Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Regions
South Rockies.
Confidence
Fair - Due to limited field observations
Weather Forecast
Monday: 5cm of snow / strong southwest winds / freezing level at surfaceTuesday: light flurries in the am becoming moderate snowfall tuesday evening / strong southwest winds / freezing level rising to 1500m by eveningWednesday: continued snowfall through early morning decreasing by mid-day / winds becoming moderate and westerly / continued warm temperatures
Avalanche Summary
A few size 2 naturals were reported from the region over the past 24hrs. We'd love to hear what you're seeing out there. Any observations can be sent to [email protected].
Snowpack Summary
Over the week 40-60cm of snow formed soft slabs over a crust/facet/surface hoar combo. Snowfall, wind and warming on late Friday/Saturday have created a more reactive storm slab problem as dense snow now over-rides colder, lighter snow where weaknesses are more likely to endure. Deeper in the snowpack, a surface hoar layer buried in early December remains a concern, as avalanches triggered on this layer would be destructive. However, information is limited about its current reactivity. From preliminary observations, the rapid storm snow load over the past week did not cause any releases on this layer. Basal facets also exist in many parts of the region.Facets sandwiched between two firm layers in the top metre of the snowpack are being monitored in the south-east.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Storm Slabs
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.