Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 14th, 2013–Feb 15th, 2013

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Kananaskis.

Recent slab formation in the alpine and open areas at treeline will remain sensitive to skier-triggering on Friday. Incoming storms on the weekend will push the danger level up, with the most significant change expected on Sunday.

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Friday will bring little precipitation, and continued strong westerlies. Saturday will see a wave of snowfall with a bigger storm arriving Sunday. Alpine temperatures will climb to near -5 degrees.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous sluffs up to size 1.5 on steep aspects on steep lee features in the alpine. One small slab triggered (likely by a goat) on a S asp at treeline. Slab did not propagate far and fracture depth was approximately 20 to 30cm.

Snowpack Summary

Small storms have added up to 20cm of new snow at treeline and above. Soft slab formation on-going at treeline and alpine elevations. Open areas at treeline have a stiffer slab than lower altitudes.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slab development is on-going on lee and cross loaded features in alpine and treeline areas. With persistent westerly winds these slabs are widespread on E and S aspects and will be sensitive to human triggering.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Choose well supported terrain without convexities.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 5

Loose Dry

Recent snow and wind is causing sluffing from very steep terrain on lee aspects. It is possible that a sluff could cause a slab avalanche on the underlying slopes.

Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>Choose ice climbs that are not exposed to avalanches from above.>Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4