Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2013 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 Persistent Slabs.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Little change is expected with no precipitation in the forecast. Later in the week sunny periods may be a cause for concern on solar aspects.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Winds will diminish slightly over the next 24hrs, with alpine temperatures near -12. No significant precipitation is in the forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new in the last several days.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 7cm over the last 24 hours. Isolated wind slab development still occurring, but due to extended periods of windy conditions most windward slopes are bare rock. Hard slabs dominate the alpine with pockets of both hard and soft slabs present at treeline. The Jan 6 surface hoar layer is still being found in sheltered locations at lower elevations. This layer continues to produce shears in stability tests, and is something to watch for in steep terrain at treeline and below, especially on N and E aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Hard slabs are widespread in Alpine areas as a result of strong winds for the past week. Pockets of thin recently formed wind slab are also present.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Buried wind slabs should be expected throughout the region and are likely more sensitive to triggering from shallow snowpack regions. The Jan 6 surface hoar layer is also a concern on steep sheltered slopes at lower elevations.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2013 2:00PM