Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 5th, 2012–Feb 6th, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: 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.

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.

Avalanche 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