Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 11th, 2013 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Up to 5cm of new snow expected in the region by late Tuesday. Strong winds are also forecasted. Little change is expected in the danger rating unless more snow falls than is predicted. Travel is currently easy, with variable ski quality.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Up to 5cm of snow possible over the next 24hrs. Winds will be strong from the NW increasing to extreme by Tuesday afternoon. Alpine temperatures range between -8 and -12.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar and surface facetting in sheltered N aspects below treeline. Between 0 and 20cm of low density overlies a previously formed hard slab. The bond of this recent snow to the hard slab seems good in most areas. Basal facets persist and the snowpack is quite weak at lower elevations.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Between 0 and 20cm of recent snow currently overlies a hard wind slab 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

Valid until: Feb 12th, 2013 2:00PM