Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2014 7:05AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Don't let the perfect weather lure you into inappropriate terrain. Large features should be avoided as the Feb 10th layer still needs time to heal. Conservative route selection is key to managing the current avalanche problems.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Clear skies will continue into Wednesday and most of Thursday. Winds will be light and temperatures will be much more reasonable until a return to frigid conditions on Friday. Light precipitation is also expected Friday.

Avalanche Summary

Very isolated loose dry in steep Alpine terrain up to size 1.0 were observed today. One naturally triggered size 2.0 slab was observed on a North aspect at 2500m. Today's snow study flight across the region revealed further evidence of a previous widespread natural cycle up to size 2.5 in Alpine and Treeline terrain. In some cases recent avalanche activity occurred on re-loaded bed surfaces from the cycle in January.

Snowpack Summary

Surface faceting. Variable wind effect Alpine. Between 40 and 70cm overlies the Feb 10th layer, and this interface is still producing moderate shears in compression tests. Along the continental divide the midpack remains supportive, but areas further east are much weaker. The basal facets and depth hoar are well pronounced, but are currently dormant with respect to avalanche activity and stability tests.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Naturally triggered avalanche activity has subsided, but human triggering remains touchy. The Feb 10 persistent weak layer will be a problem for some time and is buried between 40 and 70cm. Whumpfing and cracking continue to be observed.

Avoid steep, open slopes.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Wet

Sunny skies and warm temperatures could trigger avalanches from steep features on solar aspects. Keep an eye on overhead terrain as the day heats up.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2014 2:00PM