Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 7th, 2014 3:00PM

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

burke.duncan, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Until we see a change in the current weather pattern the primary concern out there is still the deep basal weaknesses that is most susceptible to human triggering in steep alpine features, mainly on northerly aspects.

Summary

Confidence

Good - The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

No new precipitation in the forecast .Â Temperatures gradually rising with a return to more normal values expected by next Tuesday.Â WInds along ridgetops are trending from the N-NE eventually transitioning to a more westerly flow in the days to come.

Avalanche Summary

No new observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

No change - surface facetting taking place. Sun crusts are still present at all elevations on solar exposed aspects. Terrain in the alpine and treeline elevation zones are highly variable with regards to snow cover and condition but wind slabs definitely dominate the landscape. The deep basal weaknesses remain in place and in fact is weakening gradually under the influence of the continued cold temperatures.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The density of the slabs and their bridging effect above this layer are making it hard to trigger this weakness. However, it is still present, and potentially reactive in the right terrain. The probability is going down, but consequences remain high.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Feb 8th, 2014 2:00PM