Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 24th, 2018 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Until we get more snow, ski conditions will remain challenging. On the upside, avalanche hazard is improving with each day.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Tonight will be clear, with temps dipping to -18C and moderate ridge top winds. Tomorrow looks like another windy day up high. Gusts to 55km/hr are expected. There is a mild pulse of snow rolling through tomorrow morning. Only 6cm expected. Daytime high of -12.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing today

Snowpack Summary

Below treeline has really felt the cold. Any area that was loose snow prior to the cold is now weak and facetted. This isn't a bad thing, many windslabs have lost their cohesiveness thanks to that cold snap. At treeline the wind slabs are immediately noticeable once exposed terrain is reached. For the most part these slabs are thin and sometimes breakable. Steep, unsupported terrain may have reactive windslabs lurking, but for the most part the slabs are well bonded to underlying layers. The alpine. Judging from today's trip, it takes a brave soul to do battle with the current windslabs. They are widespread and either breakable or eerily hollow under foot. These feel as though they could be triggered from shallow, transitional areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Facetting is helping ease this problem at treeline. The alpine on the other hand is still covered in windslabs of varying densities.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Evaluate unsupported slopes critically.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large triggers are a concern. It's safe to say we're in the "low probability/high consequence" situation.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Feb 25th, 2018 2:00PM