Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 19th, 2013 3:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Dry and Storm Slabs.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Another 5cm+ through Tuesday night with a clearing trend on Wednesday. Sluffing is a concern, especially on solar aspects when the sun is shining. Watch for increased storm slab development in alpine areas.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Another 5cm+ expected Tuesday night with light winds. Wednesday should see a clearing trend with cool alpine temperatures and a fair amount of sun. Winds will be light and variable. It is a long away at the moment, but a significant storm is on the radar for late Friday.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new observed or reported. Some minor snow-balling in steep solar aspects at lower elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow is settling and still showing very little wind effect below 2300m. Sun crust buried 7 to 10cm on solar aspects. Buried wind slabs are still found in alpine and treeline areas, but have been unreactive to stability tests. Snowpack at lower elevations is very weak and facetted, with numerous whumpfs experienced today.

Problems

Loose Dry

Light snow through Tuesday night will increase the concern for sluffing on steep lee features. In addition, solar aspects will see avalanche activity during times of intense solar radiation. Be aware of overhead terrain.

Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Storm Slabs

Pockets of soft slab are present in lee and cross-loaded features in the alpine. In many areas these new slabs sit on an old smooth layer of hard slab, and may be more likely to trigger where this condition exists.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Feb 20th, 2013 2:00PM