Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 18th, 2013–Feb 19th, 2013

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

Storm snow instabilities should improve slightly on Tuesday, but another storm of 10cm+ approaching Tuesday night could cause the danger level to rise again.

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Light SW winds expected Tuesday with light precipitation. Alpine temperatures will reach -12. More significant precipitation amounts are likely on Tuesday night into Wednesday.

Avalanche Summary

Sluffing in steep terrain continues on all aspects at all elevations up to size 2.0, more prominent on solar aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Variable new snow amounts of 4 to 8cm overnight. Moist snow on steep solar aspects. Storm snow totals are near 20 to 25cm. Variable wind affect in alpine features with some snow loading and soft slab development occurring in isolated terrain. Sluffing in steep terrain continues on all aspects at all elevations up to size 2.0.

Avalanche Problems

Loose Dry

Winds are increasing out of the SW which will create more concern for sluffing on steep lee features. In addition, solar aspects will see avalanche activity during times of intense solar radiation. Be aware of overhead terrain.

Avoid areas with overhead hazard.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 4

Storm Slabs

Pockets of soft slab are present in lee and cross-loaded features in the alpine. In many areas these new slabs sit on an old smooth layer of hard slab,and may be more likely to trigger where this condition exists.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4