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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 25th, 2012–Feb 26th, 2012
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Kananaskis.

The Valentine's layers continue to be very reactive to skier traffic, especially the buried surface hoar. A party remotely triggered an avalanche from 25 metres away. This is a good time to stick to simple terrain or spend the day at a ski hill (JM).

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Up to 10cm additional snowfall expected through Sunday. Winds to be mostly light with generally cool temperatures.

Avalanche Summary

Very limited observations due to weather conditions. One Sr(25m) on E aspect at 2000m triggered from an uptrack.

Snowpack Summary

7cm Hn. At 2000m 120213 layers buried 30cm. CTE(1)(SP) down 30cm on SH.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Soft slabs are widespread in all wind affected areas. Forecasters observed cracking and settlements today. Field tests produced easy results (CTE 1) on the Valentine's layers which are buried between 30 and 60cm. Remote triggering is a real concern.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 6

Cornices

Continued snowfalls and moderate to strong winds at higher elevations have caused cornices to grow large and fail in some areas. Failures have triggered avalanches up to size 2.5 on the underlying slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak facets and depth hoar linger at the base of the snowpack. Thin steep areas are the most likely trigger points. This problem is still a low probability issue, but with high potential consequences.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 6