Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2016 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

It seems we are stuck at CON for the treeline elevations. There isn't enough confidence just yet to drop the regional hazard to MOD. Having said that, sheltered areas are offering good ski quality on north to east aspects.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Light winds tonight with a chill -22 expected at 2500m. Tomorrow will see some cloud, but mostly clear skies. Ridge top winds will be light and from the west. The day time high will hopefully reach -5 at 2500m with an overall freezing level of 1600m.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today, however observations were limited.

Snowpack Summary

We are in a period of steady weather lately and the snowpack is showing it. Not a significant change from yesterday. We are still seeing a variety of crusts on solar aspects up to 2200m, and possibly higher in isolated steep solar aspects. The two concerning layers are the recent Feb 11th crust which is down 30-40cm at treeline and the Jan 6th facet layer which is down 50-60cm at treeline. Both layers have produced natural avalanches in the past, but are now mostly quiet, which puts them into the human triggering category. The alpine has a more pronounced windslab problem with localized areas of reactive wind slab.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Cooler temps will help lock these slabs in place, but confidence is still low in steep convex terrain. Most avalanche activity has been in the northern part of the region, so extra caution is advised if traveling in that area.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Persistent Slabs

If this layer is triggered, expect large avalanches. Be aware of large triggers such as cornices or small avalanches that may step down. Before trusting this layer carefully assess the snow and the overall terrain picture.

Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.>Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2016 2:00PM