Avalanche Forecast
South Rockies
Rising temperatures and the chance for a bit of sunshine on Sunday may be enough to trigger loose wet avalanches on steep slopes facing the sun.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Give them a wide berth from above and below.
- Watch for signs that the snow is heating up such as pin-wheeling or the surface snow becoming moist.
- Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Recent snow and wind have formed small wind slabs on leeward areas near ridge crests and convex features. These slabs may be reactive were they sit on crust.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transition from thin to thick.
- Avoid areas that look freshly loaded with snow; especially convex features below ridgetops.
- Use caution when transitioning into wind effected terrain.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported in this region on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm recent storm snow and moderate variable winds have formed small wind slabs on a variety of aspects sitting on hard crusts on lee features at treeline and above.
Numerous crusts exist within the top 100 cm of the snowpack.
A well settled midpack sits above sugary facets in many parts of the region, especially thin snowpack areas.
Weather Forecast
SUNDAY: Mostly cloudy with sunny breaks. Moderate southwesterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature +1. Freezing level rising to around 2100 m.
MONDAY: Snow, accumulation 10-15 cm. Moderate to strong northeasterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature -2. Freezing level around 1400 m.
TUESDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Light southwesterly ridgetop winds. Alpine temperature -4. Freezing level around 1500 m.
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When the sun comes out it will quickly weaken the new snow and cause loose wet avalanching on steep solar slopes.