Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 31st, 2017 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Cautious travel advised with these moderate ratings. Extensive wind slabs are touchy in places and if triggered can step down and bring the entire snow pack with it.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Wednesday is showing a mix of sun and cloud with alpine high temperatures of -20c and NE winds of 15km/hr.Â Outlook until Friday is mix of sun and cloud with temperatures between -11c and -22c.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread wind slabs on most aspects in alpine and open areas at tree line.Â These wind slabs are sitting on a weak and faceted mid-pack and basal layer.Â The snow pack at lower elevations is shallow and faceted throughout, thus not supporting the weight of a skier unless on previously established ski paths.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

If this layers if triggered, there is a likelihood of entraining the entire snowpack with it causing a large avalanche.

Avoid unsupported slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The big concern is that if anything gets triggered within the snowpack, then the avalanche will step down to the weak basal facets and involve the entire winter's snowpack.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

This last wind event was strong and widespread effecting most aspects from treeline and above.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 1st, 2017 2:00PM