Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2013 9:24AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The sun is packing a punch right now. Be cautious of terrain above that is basking in the sun. Cornices also deserve a wide berth. MM

Summary

Weather Forecast

Clear skies again tomorrow with some more flurries are expected. Light to moderate winds from the N. Temperatures will rise again tomorrow, especially on solar aspects.

Avalanche Summary

one cornice triggered avalanche noted on backside of Reade's Tower. S asp. SZ 2, 2400m.

Snowpack Summary

a few cm's of new snow at all elevations. Alpine had 20-30 cms of storm snow that is waiting for redistribution by the winds. Shallow areas in alpine rotting out near ground, depth hoar developing. Caution in thin areas. At TL, a variety of windslabs are out there. Generally these are well bonded, but steep convex rolls & thin areas are potential trouble spots. BTL snowpack is heavily facetted and structure less.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Last week's wind slabs are now buried by the dribs and drabs of snow we are receiving. Watch for thin weak areas surrounding these slabs.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Dry

More of a potential problem for ice climbers on the less traveled routes right now.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>

Aspects: North, North East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2013 2:00PM