Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2019 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Approach the alpine with caution, wind slabs are present.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Thursday's forecast will bring a high temperature of -15c with strong westerly winds starting around noon. Temperatures will start to cool again on Friday with light flurries. Cold is forecast for the weekend.

Avalanche Summary

One size 2.5 slab on an East aspect bowl on Mt. Rundle (EEOR)

Snowpack Summary

Around 40cm of low density snow sits on the surface at tree line and below. In the alpine, we have a mixture of low density snow and wind slabs. All of this overlies a strong mid pack that is mostly pencil hardness density. The alpine should be approached with caution to sort out whether a slab is present. What is still on our radar is the fact that the strong mid pack is sitting on the december 10 basal facets that covers the bottom 50cm of the snow pack. Despite the fact that we have not seen recent avalanche activity on the basal facets, if triggered from a thinner area, the potential is for a large avalanche.

Problems

Wind Slabs

The alpine has a mixture of wind slabs and low density snow.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Thin areas should be avoided.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2019 2:00PM