Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 12th, 2015 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Deep Persistent Slabs and Cornices.

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Warm temps and the lack of a solid overnight freeze are keeping the hazard elevated. Watch for signs of instability at treeline. Whumphing and cracking are still being observed.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Another warm day is expected. Freezing levels will hit 2100m. There will be some cloud, but the sun could make brief appearances. Watch for solar heating in south and southwest slopes. Alpine highs will reach -1, and the winds will be moderate from the west. No new snow is expected until later in the week.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches today

Snowpack Summary

Sustained temperatures above zero have left the snowpack below 2100m moist. There has been some overnight recovery with light freezes, but by early afternoon the refreeze is pretty much gone. At treeline the story changes a little bit. While cooler, the snowpack has settled considerably and bonded the surface layers. Whumphing is still ongoing in open treeline areas. Alpine elevations have seen some wind and the development of new windslabs. Many crowns from last week's cycle have blown in. Treeline snow depths vary from 160-180.

Problems

Wind Slabs

The slow bond with underlying layers is keeping this interface as the main problem. Assess steep terrain at treeline carefully.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features>Avoid unsupported slopes.>Whumpfing is direct evidence of a buried instability.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large triggers are a concern with this layer as well as thin areas.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Cornices

These are a likely trigger for the deeper instabilities. Give them lots of room and anticipate big propagations if one should collapse and trigger the slope below.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 13th, 2015 2:00PM