Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 4th, 2013 8:05AM

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.

burke.duncan, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The few centimeters of new snow predicted for the next few days mean slow healing to an abused snowpack...does not look like we will get enough new snow to raise avalanche danger. Watch for sun and wind crusts on exposed slopes.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Very light flurries over the next couple of days with the chance of several centimeters more late in the week...otherwise little change over the next 24-48 hours - mild and mod to strong westerly winds.

Avalanche Summary

There was evidence of several loose wet slides up to sz 1 on steep solar aspects that occurred with Saturdays heat wave.Â Winds kept the temps down on Sunday and as a result no new natural avalanche activity was observed.

Snowpack Summary

Light snowfall thru the day but minor accumulations resulting in NO change.Â Areas with less than 1 m of snowcover are heavily facetted.Â Recent profiles continue to expose occasional pockets of buried SH in scattered areas BTL.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Hard slabs are becoming more widespread in Alpine areas as a result of strong winds on Sat and Sun.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Buried wind slabs should be expected throughout the region. These slabs are now buried by the recent snow making them tougher to locate. Use caution in thin areas where these slabs may be more sensitive to triggering.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Feb 5th, 2013 2:00PM