Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 29th, 2012 10:01AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

With the lingering buried surface hoar still highly reactive, it is definitely NOT the time to ski the big lines. Pull out your shovel and look for the buried weakness. Conservative route selection is still paramount in avoiding an incident.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

Continued light flurries with moderate to strong NW winds.

Avalanche Summary

Snowpack Summary

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The Valentine's surface hoar and sun crust continue to be problems with extensive avalanche activity in the past 4 days. The surface hoar is particularly touchy and is buried 40 to 80cm. Remote triggering, cracking and whumpfing occurred again today.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 6

Wind Slabs

Widespread wind slab formation has occurred in the alpine on lee and cross loaded features. It is likely that a failure in these wind slabs will step down and trigger the buried surface hoar or sun crust.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 6

Cornices

Cornices have grown significantly in the alpine. Failures continue to occur and have triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 on the underlying slopes. Give cornices a wide berth and stay well back from corniced ridgcrests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 6

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak facets and depth hoar linger at the base of the snowpack. Thin steep areas are the most likely trigger points. This problem is still a low probability issue, but with high potential consequences.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Mar 2nd, 2012 8:00AM