Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2014 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Approaching storms will bring snow and strong winds to the region. As a result danger levels will rise for the first time in weeks. It is time to choose more conservative terrain.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Up to 5cm of new snow is expected overnight. Tuesday will be windy with occasional light flurries and temperatures near -11. Wednesday could bring as much as 25cm of new snow. Strong west winds are expected to accompany this storm.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds today led to some redistribution of snow in high Alpine regions. Thin wind slabs are possible in immediate lee features on North through East aspects in the Alpine. Otherwise surface conditions include surface hoar, facets, wind slab and sun crust. The mid pack remains supportive in most areas, but the basal weakness remains.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Stiff wind slabs still exist throughout the forecast area and these sit on the weak basal facets. Though difficult to trigger, this weakness could produce large avalanches. Thin snowpack areas are a potential trigger point.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Thin wind slabs are possible in high Alpine areas immediately below ridge crests on N and E aspects. While only small avalanches are possible, these could be big enough to push a person over a cliff or into a terrain trap.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Avoid traveling on ledges and cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2014 2:00PM