Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2014 7:14AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Despite the MODERATE danger rating, concern remains for the weak basal layers. If an avalanche is triggered, it could go deep and wide. This is not the time to ski large and steep features.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Mostly sunny on Tuesday with temperatures reaching near -8 degrees. A temperature inversion is expected with cooler temperatures in valley bottom. Winds will be moderate from the West and no precipitation is expected. Wednesday could see 10 to 15cm of new snow.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Sun crust is found on South and West aspects at all elevations. Surface faceting in all other areas due to cold temps. Previous wind effect and wind slab is evident at all elevations and all aspects, except South and SW in the Alpine. Profile today at 2200m shows a strong mid-pack, but basal weaknesses remain.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches could step down to the basal October layers and involve the entire winters snowpack. Wide propagations are possible. Shallow snowpack areas are a potential trigger point.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are widespread on lee and cross-loaded features at Treeline and above. Use caution is steep, convex and unsupported terrain, and be wary of shallow snowpack areas.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Avoid unsupported slopes.>Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Jan 28th, 2014 2:00PM