Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 18th, 2013 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

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.

Summary

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.

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

Valid until: Feb 19th, 2013 2:00PM