Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2012 6:38AM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Stability will deteriorate throughout the day as temperatures warm up. Pay close attention to temperature and aspect as you travel. Cornice collapses have been observed of late so be sure to look wayyyyy up.

Summary

Confidence

Good - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Avalanche Summary

A few sz 1 loose wet slides on steep solar aspects up to size 1.5. 1 recent size 1 slab on the Goat range at 2800m on a steep unsupported role. Cornice collapse was the suspected trigger.

Snowpack Summary

Melt Freeze crust on solar aspects up to 2900. SH up to 15mm continues to grow in sheltered areas up to treeline.

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose wet slides on steeper solar aspects related to daytime warming. Wet slides were observed up to 3000m in elevation. A few cornice collapses have been observed in the past 24hrs due to the lack of a good freeze at higher elevations.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs from the various wind events earlier this season are easily found on N and E aspects. Steeper unsupported terrain features are still good places to use caution.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

Weak layers persist close to ground that if triggered from a weak area could cause a large destructive avalanche involving the entire winters snowpack. These facets are becoming harder to trigger as the snowpack strengthens.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2012 3:00AM