Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2012 8:13AM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Rising freezing levels expected again on Tuesday. Start early and pay attention to overhead terrain as the day heats up. Easy traveling at the moment, but good turns are elusive. (JM)

Summary

Confidence

Good - Freezing levels are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Weather forecast read.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing reported.

Snowpack Summary

1cm Hn overnight. Significantly less radiation than yesterday. Otherwise little change.No field obs today - ice climbing at Junkyards.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet slides on steeper solar aspects related to daytime warming and radiation. Wet slides were observed up to 3000m in elevation on Saturday. A few cornice collapses have been recently observed.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs from the various wind events earlier this season are easily found on N and E aspects. Steeper unsupported terrain features are still good places to use caution.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak layers persist close to ground that if triggered from a weak area could cause a large destructive avalanche involving the entire winters snowpack. These facets are becoming harder to trigger as the snowpack strengthens.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2012 3:00AM