Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 7th, 2019 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Good skiing throughout. Steeper areas should be approached with caution.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Friday will bring light flurries, variable light winds and a temperature of -18c and steadily dropping to -30c for Saturday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed today.

Snowpack Summary

Around 40cm of low density snow sits on the surface at tree line and below. In the alpine, we have a mixture of low density snow and wind slabs. All of this overlies a strong mid pack that is mostly pencil hardness in density. The alpine should be approached with caution to sort out whether a slab is present. What is still on our radar is the fact that the strong mid pack is sitting on the december 10 basal facets that covers the bottom 50cm of the snow pack. Despite the fact that we have not seen recent avalanche activity on the basal facets, if triggered from a thinner area, the potential is for a large avalanche.

Problems

Wind Slabs

The alpine has a mixture of wind slabs and low density snow.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Thin areas should be avoided.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Feb 8th, 2019 2:00PM