Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2019 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The snowpack has a large improvement in the last while. In general things feel quite good in moderate alpine terrain and treeline areas. If going into bigger terrain, do you due diligence and find/assess the deep layers of concern before committing.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Thin clouds are expected by the afternoon. It will be another cold start to the day with temps around -25. They should "warm up" to -20 by the afternoon. No snow and light north winds.

Avalanche Summary

A few small spindrift avalanches on large cliff faces.

Snowpack Summary

The slow but steady flurries have gradually left us with 10-15cm of recent snow. Light winds have kept this snow light and slab free. There is a minor failure at the new/old snow interface, but the lack of a slab keeps it from being a problem. The midpack is also solid and consistent. The weak basal layers are still there, but the strong midpack and "trickle" loading pattern are keeping it unreactive. Having said that, during today's trip, we did encounter thin transitional areas where we felt a need to pay attention and respect the bottom layers. The Jan 17th surface hoar is becoming evident in open areas below treeline, Lots of large whumphs and shooting cracks. There is a chance it could be higher in some drainages. Keep an eye out.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Surface slabs exist near the bottoms of cliffs and immediate lee areas.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2019 2:00PM