Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2019 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Variable conditions in the alpine. Expect new wind slabs near ridge lines.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Clear and cold for tomorrow. -25 overnight and warming up to -15 in the afternoon. Light cloud is expected for most of the day. No new snow and light winds at all elevations.

Avalanche Summary

It looked as though there was a small natural cycle that went on last night. Numerous loose dry avalanches that entrained the old facetted snow. Up to sz2. There were a few slabs, the most noteworthy being the sz3 on Tent Ridge yesterday. No new activity as of this morning.

Snowpack Summary

Most alpine areas are showing the impact of yesterday's wind event. While not wind scoured, it looks freshly wind loaded near ridges. Treeline has a similar loading pattern with a reasonably dense (4-finger), 10-20cm thick windslab over facets. Even below treeline areas had a hint of this wind slab in down-flow wind(cold air sinking and/or swirling) areas. Its important to note that these winds were from the north and have left an unusual loading pattern. Aside from these new, touchy windslabs there isn't a lot of change overall.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Start looking for these as you approach treeline. They can sneak up on you as you approach open areas. We got the feeling they could possibly be toe triggered today.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is back in the game. Thin spots and a weakening mid pack could spell trouble.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Loose Dry

Not a show stopper of a problem, but given how big they have been lately its worth keeping them in mind. Oddly enough, the sun might pack enough of a punch to get them going on steep south aspects late in the day.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2019 2:00PM