Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 19th, 2014 7:27AM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The windslabs that have been plaguing us for the last week have been changed to a persistent slab. These will linger for a long time yet. Treat them with respect and be patient while we wait for them to improve.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

A general cooling trend over the next 4 days. There is expected to be flurries throughout the remainder of the week that will amount to 10cm, by the start of the weekend. Moderate winds with a general western flow.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed today. But it is worth noting the observation opportunities were limited.

Snowpack Summary

Light amounts of new snow in the last 24hrs has added some additional load to the snow pack. There are a variety of slabs in the upper pack that amount to a total depth of 40-60cm's. Given the slow bond with the Feb 11 interface, and persistent nature of the Feb 11th layer, the current windslabs are now being considered persistent slabs at alpine and treeline elevations. Below treeline, the upper snowpack lacks sufficient cohesion to be a significant avalanche concern.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The windslabs from last week have been downgraded to persistent slabs. The reason for this is the slow bond and the general nature of the Feb 11th layer. This avalanche problem will be on the radar for some time.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 20th, 2014 2:00PM