Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 15th, 2019 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The dribs and drabs of new snow recently is making the skiing pretty good out there! Watch triggerable slabs near the entrances to runs.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Up to 10cm of snow is forecast to fall over the next 24hrs with generally light winds. Temperatures will be around -10C with generally cloudy skies.

Avalanche Summary

A sz 2 dry loose slide was observed on the SW aspect of Mt Murray initiating in 40+ degree terrain at 2800m and ran down to 2200m. This slide was observed from a distance so details area little scant. Also 2 skiers ski cut a sz 1.5 slide around 30m wide in what they described as the "DogLeg" couloir on a N aspect of heros knob.

Snowpack Summary

Isolated windslabs that are skier triggerable should be expected along ridgelines in alpine areas. These slabs are not widespread but there is a distinct drummy feel in some steeper areas that should keep you on your toes. Also, windslabs were observed from recent down flow winds in alpine terrain. Otherwise, the warming temps are slowing the facetting process but overall, the snowpack is composed of mainly facetted grains with some more dense snow forming the mid pack. Thin areas are where a skier may be able to trigger the basal weaknesses but we have not seen any activity on this layer in some time.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Surface slabs exist near the bottoms of cliffs and immediate lee areas. There are also pockets of buried windslab that could be reactive in steep, shallow areas.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Its hard to take this off the radar completely because of the thickness of the layer. Thin areas and/or large triggers remain a concern.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 16th, 2019 2:00PM