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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 2nd, 2013–Jan 3rd, 2013

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Purcells.

If the sun is out and it feels warm, watch for loose moist snow falling out of cliffs and steep terrain.

Confidence

Fair - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night and Thursday: An upper ridge persists on the region bringing dry conditions, light to moderate winds from the Western quadrant and an inversion with temperatures above the freezing level between 2000 m. and 2500 m. Friday: Traces of snow are forecasted with strong winds from the NW and dropping freezing levels to 900 m. Saturday: Similar conditions are expected with lighter winds from the SW and slightly warmer temperatures (around -4 C in the alpine).

Avalanche Summary

No new recent avalanche observations expect older dry loose avalanches from very steep terrain in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

There is a mix of new surface hoar layers and thin light snowfalls that have buried these layers. Some wind slabs have developed as the snow has been transported into the lee of terrain features at higher elevations. These have been reported to be reactive at ridgetops but have limited propagation potential. Sun and warmth in the alpine could weaken sun exposed slopes, be careful especially where cornices could fall and act as a trigger. The mid layers of the snowpack have settled and are generally reported to be strong. Weak layers that were developed in November continue to show results in tests, but have not been reactive. Thin snowpack areas are the most likely place for deeper layers to be reactive to the additional load of a skier or rider.

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.

Cornices

Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.