Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 7th, 2012 8:19AM

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.

Sun crusts up to 3cm thick have formed on solar aspects. Avalanche hazard will rise when these crusts break down with increased temperatures and solar radiation later in the day. Plan your trip accordingly. (JM)

Summary

Confidence

-1 - -1

Weather Forecast

Avalanche Summary

One size 2.0 slab from steep terrain on SE asp at 2500m on the Goat Range, looked like it failed in the basal facets.

Snowpack Summary

SC up to 3cm thick on solar asp, beginning to break down late morning only on slopes directly facing the sun. SH and surface facetting.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet slides on steeper solar aspects related to daytime warming and radiation. Sun crusts were breaking down by late in the morning on Tuesday. Timing is everything.

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 basal layers persist and if triggered from a weak area could cause a large destructive avalanche involving the entire winters snowpack. A recent size 2.0 avalanche associated with this layer indicates that failures are still possible.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Feb 8th, 2012 3:00AM