Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 18th, 2019 3:00PM

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

Alberta Parks michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Good skiing can be found at all elevations.  Be on the look out for thin areas.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Tuesday will start off cold with a mix of sun and cloud in morning.  After lunch, light flurries are expected with moderate West winds and warming up to -11c.

Avalanche Summary

One size 2 loose, dry occurred today in the alpine on an East aspect on Mount Murray (looks like it was solar radiation triggered).Several other loose dry size 2 were observed on the East End of Rundle and in the Bow Valley on solar aspects

Snowpack Summary

On the surface, we have about 15cm of loose dry snow.  There is isolated wind affect, mostly in the alpine, just below  large cliffs and isolated pockets near ridge lines.  The sun had some punch today which triggered some loose dry avalanches on solar aspects.  The weak basal layers are still there, and as unconsolidated as ever. What is saving us from a nightmare of a snowpack is the mid pack bridging effect. The mid pack has enough strength and depth that triggering the bottom layers is becoming more difficult. The key to avoiding trouble is avoiding thin areas where the bridging is minimal.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Surface slabs exist near the bottoms of cliffs and immediate lee areas.
Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 19th, 2019 2:00PM