Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 24th, 2014 7:24AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The skiing is great, but don't let sunny skies lure you into big terrain features. The Feb 10th layer needs time to heal and cautious route selection remains a necessity. This is not the time to ski a big line.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Tuesday will start off cold but then improve to -9 degrees at ridgetop. Winds should be light and skies are expected to be sunny. No precipitation is expected for the next few days.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose dry up to size 1.0 were observed in steep Alpine terrain on all aspects. Several avalanches have occurred in the last 12 to 48hrs associated with the Feb 10th layer. These occurred primarily in Alpine terrain, but have been observed on all aspects. Most slabs were between 60 and 80cm thick with some approaching 100cm thick. Some of these avalanches ran close to their full path.

Snowpack Summary

Surface faceting. Variable wind effect Alpine and Treeline. The Feb 10th layer down an average of 60 to 80cm. Natural avalanche activity is declining, but human triggering remains touchy. Isolated whumpfing and cracking continues.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Naturally triggered avalanche activity is declining, but human triggering remains touchy. This persistent weak layer will be a problem for some time and is now buried between 60 and 80cm. Whumpfing and cracking have been observed in recent days.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Avoid steep, open slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 25th, 2014 2:00PM