Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 3rd, 2015–Feb 4th, 2015

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

Hazard ratings may change at a moment's notice if the winds pick up. Consider alpine and treeline ratings to be at their upper limits right now. Choosing a safe line still requires some assessment and monitoring of changing conditions.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

The flurries that we experienced today are expected to come to an end overnight. There may be a few more cm's accumulation, but nothing too significant. Alpine and ridge top winds will pick up tonight, topping out at 30-50km/hr from the SW. The alpine temperatures will be around -8 as a high.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were seen today

Snowpack Summary

15-20cm's of new, low density snow at treeline. The underlying crust is still apparent at all elevations. In most places the crust is breakable despite the new snow. Treeline and below has no significant avalanche concerns at the moment. The warm spell locked the snow in place with the crust. At treeline the picture starts to change. The treeline/alpine transition is a bit more complex. The moderate winds have created soft slabs on all lee aspects. So far the slabs don't extend too far below ridge lines and open areas at treeline where the winds could penetrate the trees. The bond with the underlying layers seems to be hit and miss. Any slab that is on the crust seems to be bonding reasonably well and anything on an old hardslab is slower to come around. Snow depth at treeline averages 160cm's.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

These new slabs could become concerning as the winds build. The "touchiness" of these slabs will rise very quickly if the winds pick up, or change direction. Start to look for them when approaching open areas at treeline.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Eastern parts of the region have seen recent activity with this layer. The upper slabs have triggered this weak layer initiating large avalanches. Despite the lack of activity in the western areas, the problem and concern is still there.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 5