Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 8th, 2014–Feb 9th, 2014

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

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

Regions: Kananaskis.

Tomorrow will be a great day for longer, higher elevation trips. Clear skies and slightly warmer temps are expected. Today the sun had a noticeable impact on the temperature.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will creep up over the next few days. Tomorrow is expected to be another bluebird day on the Spray Road. Light winds at all elevations to go with the sun. By Monday night a weak system is expected to arrive giving 11cm's. Winds will spike as the storm approaches. Very strong winds are expected at ridge top.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new to talk about here.

Snowpack Summary

No snow now for almost a week. Below treeline the snowpack has lost considerable strength. In tight trees there is no structure and in more open areas, the midpack can support a skier...barely. Treeline is mostly supportive due to the hard slab that is present in any open terrain. In open areas exposed to wind, the hardslab is still quite stiff and ski penetration is nil. The density of this slab has not changed despite the extended cold. Fortunately the bridging of the midpack is still strong enough to keep the concern over the basal facets minimal. In the alpine the dusting we received awhile ago is still untouched by the wind. Lots of shallow dust on hard slab skiing to be had. The sun crust is still intact on S and SW aspects.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The cold has started to break down the midpack at all elevations which helps limit the size of avalanches. However, significant avalanches are still a possibility due to the entire snowpack being involved. Treat large terrain features with respect.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4