Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2014 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The snowpack is not changing much at the moment, but don't let the MODERATE danger rating lure you into inappropriate terrain. Weak basal layers could still produce "high consequence" avalanches if a skier/rider were to find the weak spot.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

A slight chance of isolated flurries is possible overnight tonight. Cooler temperatures are expected on Thursday with Alpine temperatures climbing to only -16 degrees. Winds will be light and only occasional light flurries are possible under a mix of sun and cloud.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Sun crust on South-East through West aspects at all elevations. Surface facetting and surface hoar growth in sheltered areas below treeline. Previously formed wind slabs persist in exposed terrain at treeline and above. Basal weak layers persist and concern remains for full depth releases.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches could step down to the basal October layers and involve the entire winters snowpack. Wide propagations are possible. Shallow snowpack areas are a potential trigger point.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are breaking down somewhat, but are still found on lee and cross-loaded features at Treeline and above. Use caution is steep, convex and unsupported terrain, and be wary of shallow snowpack areas.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Avoid unsupported slopes.>Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2014 2:00PM