Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2018 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 can be found in sheltered areas. Wind slabs cover the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Tonight will be clear, with temps dipping to -17c and moderate ridge top winds. Tomorrow the forecast indicates a mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Winds will be 40-55km/h from the west and a high of -16c in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

One large and long audible sound (probably an avalanche) was heard in the Mt. Murray/Murray Creek area. The weather was not conducive to get a visual on anything.

Snowpack Summary

Below treeline has really felt the cold. Any area that was loose snow prior to the cold is now weak and facetted. This isn't a bad thing, many windslabs have lost their cohesiveness thanks to that cold snap. At treeline the wind slabs are immediately noticeable once exposed terrain is reached. For the most part these slabs are thin and sometimes breakable. Steep, unsupported terrain may have reactive windslabs lurking, but for the most part the slabs are well bonded to underlying layers. The alpine has windslabs that are widespread and either breakable or eerily hollow under foot. These feel as though they could be triggered from shallow, transitional areas.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Facetting is helping ease this problem at treeline. The alpine on the other hand is still covered in windslabs of varying densities.

Evaluate unsupported slopes critically.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large triggers are a concern. It's safe to say we're in the "low probability/high consequence" situation. Avoid thin areas.

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 26th, 2018 2:00PM