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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 12th, 2016–Feb 13th, 2016
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: South Rockies.

Strong winds and mild temperatures will continue to be the story for the next while. Unfortunately, this may leave us generally poor snow quality.

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Saturday: Cloudy with a chance of flurries and sunny breaks. The freezing level is around 1200-1400 m during the day. Ridge winds are moderate to strong from the W-SW. Sunday: Cloudy with light snow overnight and flurries with sunny breaks during the day. The freezing level rises to 1500-1800 m and winds are strong from the SW. Monday: Cloudy with sunny breaks. The freezing level is 2000-2300 m and winds are moderate from the west.

Avalanche Summary

Loose wet activity has been reported throughout the week as a result of warm temperatures and sunshine.

Snowpack Summary

Moist new snow is probably sitting on a melt-freeze crust on southerly aspects and lower elevation terrain. Up higher, strong southwest winds have resulted in widespread wind effect in exposed terrain. Thick, stiff wind slabs can be found on north aspects in the alpine. Sheltered northerly aspects may still be hanging onto dry snow. Cornices have grown significantly. In some areas you may find a supportive crust down 30cm that extends up to around 1900m. A layer of buried surface hoar can be found between 40 and 60cm down and remains a concern west of the Continental Divide. The snowpack rests on a weak crust/facet layer from early December.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Forecast westerly winds could build fresh dense wind slabs in exposed lee terrain throughout the period. 
Be careful with wind loaded pockets on steep slopes below ridge crests.>Highmark or enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Cornices continue to grow and could fail naturally or under light loads, especially during sunny breaks and with rising temperatures. 
Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.>

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4