Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2014 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Cold temperatures will continue for awhile. Be sure to respect the consequences of even a minor incident.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Cloudy skies tomorrow with temps similar to today. No snow. The change in wind is important. They will pick up and swing to the a northerly flow. Wind chill is worth some consideration.

Avalanche Summary

Unlike the neighboring areas, the windslab from the last snow are thin and inconsequential. The odd pocket of very small, reactive slabs were noted today. More of a concern for climbers. No significant avalanches noted.

Snowpack Summary

Variable is the best word to describe the snowpack right now. Surface snow is either exposed sun crust, wind slab,Â hard slab(hard to hold a ski edge) or a skiff of snow from last week's flurry. Sheltered, north aspects still held dry snow. As for the midpack, in the alpine and treeline it is supportive for ski traffic. Below treeline it is still weak, but supportive in most areas. No change in the lower layers.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The mid pack had gained considerable strength in the last while. It is doing a good job of bridging the basal weak layer. Thin areas are the likely trigger point for this layer. Assess bigger terrain carefully.

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

3 - 6

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2014 2:00PM