Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2012 9:28AM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Be cautious around ridgelines, in crossloaded features and in gullied terrain especially at treeline and above. We may see a few cm of snow overnight but not much is expected

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

A few cms of new snow may fall over the next 24hrs before conditions begin to clear on Friday. On Saturday, the next wave of light snowfalls is expected to cross the region with increased winds out of the SW.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous loose sluffs from steep unskiable terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Little change in the past 24hrs. Isolated soft slabs can be found at ridgelines and in crossloaded or gully features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated wind slabs about being encountered at ridgelines and in crossloaded or gullied terrain. These slabs do not extend far down slope but could easily catch a skier or rider off guard at the entrance to a run.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Loose unconsolidated surface snow is sluffing in steep terrain. These sluffs are running far and fast and could have the potential to knock a skier over and carry them into a hazard.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak facets and depth hoar still linger at the base of the snowpack. Thin steep areas are places skiers should be thinking about possibly triggering this basal problem. Even though danger is rated as moderate, be thinking about consequences.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 6

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2012 9:00AM