Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 22nd, 2014 9:07AM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Yesterday's storm lacked the punch we expected. Lots of very appealing ski lines out there right now, but keep the terrain in check despite the high motivation. There's still potential for big avalanches.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Not a lot of change coming our way. The temps will continue to fall, settling at -20 as the forecast high in the alpine tomorrow. Flurries with light winds and cloudy skies for tomorrow. Early next week will see clear skies. No snow for the next while, and, light winds...that's good news!

Avalanche Summary

The past 24hr cycle mentioned yesterday was still evident today. A number of avalanches were noted at upper treeline elevations originating from crossloaded features. Most were size 2's.

Snowpack Summary

Light amounts from last nights front had little overall impact in the snowpack. The storm snow from last week has settled a considerable amount at treeline and alpine elevations. The weak Feb 11 layer is still very evident as a sliding surface at all elevations. Moderate winds have made the surface windslabs a touch stiffer, however no failures on this interface were noted today. There was a better overall feel to the storm snow and Feb 11 interface, however whumphing was still noted on a number of occasions today.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This is still the major concern for us right now. Conservative terrain choices are critical. Give big slopes a wide berth, particularly if they haven't avalanched. Whumphing and cracking have been the tell tale indicator of this weakness.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>Avoid lingering in runout zones.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

These are becoming more substantial with the wind transport and cooler temps. Watch for them as you approach open areas at treeline.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 23rd, 2014 2:00PM