Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 22nd, 2013 3:00PM

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

burke.duncan, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record we need some new snow! Widespread slab conditions and seriously eroded snowpack in all open terrain. Most popular areas heavily tracked up. The few cm's of new snow we may see tomorrow not enough yet.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Arctic ridge staying to the east of the forecast areaÂ so we can still look forward to mild temps.Â A few cm of new snow in the forecast for Wednesday but not enough to promote healing of an ailing snowpack.Â Wind values will decrease slightly although for the most part they were light on Tuesday PMÂ anyways!

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

No change - widespread hard and soft slab conditions with serious wind degradation in all open terrain.Â Midpack continues to weaken under the influence of facetting.

Problems

Wind Slabs

30-40cm thick windslabs are being encountered on north to southeast aspects at treeline and above. Expect wide propagations due to the hard nature of these slabs.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2013 2:00PM