Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2013 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 Persistent Slabs.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The skiing is rugged due to an extended period of strong winds. And with no significant precipitation in the forecast, this condition is not likely to change in the short term.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will cool slightly on Wednesday, but the winds remain in the strong range out of the West. Only very light precipitation is expected over the next several days with accumulation likely less than 5cm through Friday.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new in the past 48 hours.

Snowpack Summary

Variable new snow amounts with up to 4cm over the last 48 hours. Isolated wind slab development still occurring, but due to extended periods of windy conditions most windward slopes are bare rock. Hard slabs dominate the alpine with pockets of both hard and soft slabs present at treeline. The Jan 6 surface hoar layer is still being found in sheltered locations at lower elevations. This layer is still producing shears in stability tests, and is something to watch for in steep terrain at treeline and below, especially on N and E aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Hard slabs are widespread in Alpine areas as a result of strong winds for the past week.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Persistent Slabs

Buried wind slabs should be expected throughout the region. These slabs are tougher to locate, so be curious as you travel and investigate with your shovel and probe. Use caution in thin areas where these slabs may be more sensitive to triggering.

Be aware of thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilites.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2013 2:00PM