Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2019 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Avalanche activity is still happening. Good skiing can be found at tree line and below.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday and Thursday are to bring high temperatures of -17c and lows of -25c.Â Wednesday is also forecast to be mainly sunny with light North winds, then clouding over on Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

One size 2.5 slab on an East aspect bowl on Mt. Murray.One size 2.5 slab on an E aspect starting in the alpine on Snow peakSeveral loose dry up to size 1.5 were also observed on East aspects.The sun is starting to have a punch so it is likely that some of these recent slides are caused by solar radiation.

Snowpack Summary

35-45cm of low density snow at tree line sits on the surface while in the alpine, wind slabs cover most of the surface. The mid pack is strong at all elevations but sits on top ofÂ weak basal facets that cover the bottom 50cm.Â This basal layer is still a concern especially where the snowpack is under 120cm.Â Any avalanche triggered in the upper snow pack has the potential to trigger this lower weakness.

Problems

Wind Slabs

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Thin areas should be avoided.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2019 2:00PM