Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 20th, 2018 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Wind slabs are still the concern for human triggering in the alpine and isolated areas at tree line.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Wednesday is to bring a mix of sun and cloud and an alpine temperature of -20c with west winds of 25km/h.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was observed.

Snowpack Summary

The alpine has extensive wind slabs covered with 5-10cm of recent snow. The skiing has been slow with the cold temperatures. At tree line, some drainages have wind effect and others do not. The wind slabs are still a concern for human triggering. The weaker persistent layer known as the December 15 facets is approximately 150cm down and if triggered will produce very large avalanches.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Widepsread windslabs in Alpine terrain and more variable at treeline locations.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is down approximately 150cm.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Feb 21st, 2018 2:00PM