Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 8th, 2012 6:10AM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Stability will deteriorate throughout the day as conditions warm up. Early starts are a good idea in this "Spring like" February.

Summary

Confidence

Good - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Continued clear skies with no new precipitation over the next 24hrs.

Avalanche Summary

Two recent size 3 avalanches one above the ice climb VSOP on S ridge of Mt Sparrowhawk on an E aspect at 3000m that ran full path to valley bottom with fracture depths up to 120cm. Cornice collapse was the likely trigger. The second slide was in the Goat range on a E facing slope at 2800m that ran to the middle of its historical runout. Fracture depths on this slide were variable from 60-120cm deep.

Snowpack Summary

SC up to 3cm thick on solar asp, beginning to break down late morning only on slopes directly facing the sun. SH and surface facetting.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet slides on steeper solar aspects related to daytime warming and radiation. A few cornice collapses have been recently observed.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs from the various wind events earlier this season are easily found on N and E aspects. Steeper unsupported terrain features are still good places to use caution.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak layers persist close to ground that if triggered from a weak area could cause a large destructive avalanche involving the entire winters snowpack. Two destructive avalanches were recently observed failing on the basal facets running full path.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Feb 9th, 2012 3:00AM