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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 13th, 2013–Feb 14th, 2013
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
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.

Recent snow and extreme NW winds are creating storm slabs that are sensitive to human triggering. This new snow has buried a wide variety of layers that will give inconsistent shear results. Evaluate the snowpack carefully.

Confidence

Fair - Due to limited field observations

Weather Forecast

NW winds will continue on Thursday, and will increase in speed through the day. No precipitation is expected and alpine temperatures will range from -18 to -6 degrees.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new, but observations were limited.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 12cm of new snow at treeline in the past 24hrs. Storm slab development in alpine and treeline areas with slabs between 20 and 30cm deep. Previously formed hard slabs that are widespread on NW through S aspects are now well hidden under the new snow. Weak and facetted snowpack remains at lower altitudes.

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm slab development is on-going on lee and cross loaded features in alpine and treeline areas. With the extreme NW winds these slabs extend far downslope on E and S aspects and will be sensitive to human triggering.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>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 - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Previously formed  hard wind slabs are now buried 10 to 40cm deep in alpine and treeline areas. Shallow snowpack areas and steep convex features are potential triggering spots for this buried wind slab.
Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 4