Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 19th, 2013 3:00PM

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

Alberta Parks mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Not much is changing out there right now.  The strong SW winds have destroyed the skiing in Alpine areas and pretty much all treeline areas are tracked up.  We will need about 30cm of new snow to re-set the forecast region. Low ski pen though!

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Well....  Not to sound like a broken record but...  If i was to cut and paste yesterdays forecast that would be accurate!  Winds are forecast to continue and no new snow is forecast for the next few days.  Some people were even rock climbing today in the eastern part of the forecast region!

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanche activity was observed.

Snowpack Summary

Little Change.  Widespread hardslabs in all open wind affected terrain.  LOTS of bard rock showing from the winds that have ravaged the area over the past few days.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
30-40cm thick windslabs are being encountered on north to southeast aspects at treeline and above. Expect wide propagations due to the hard nature of these slabs.
Avoid unsupported slopes.>Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

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