Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2018 3:34PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Good skiing can be found in sheltered places. Wind slabs are still a concern for human triggering in the alpine.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Thursday is expected to bring sun, cloud and isolated flurries. Winds are forecast to be light and alpine temperatures will reach -17c.

Avalanche Summary

No observations were made today.

Snowpack Summary

In general, the upper half of the snowpack is not showing any weaknesses and is bonding well. The exception is in the alpine where the wind slabs are 20-40cm thick and are still possible to trigger. The biggest concern is for the December 15 facets which is showing a lower probability of triggering but with a high consequence if an avalanche occurs. Be careful of thinner areas where triggering the deeper layer is more likely.Â The sun is starting to have some punch to it, so be aware of steep solar aspects. .

Problems

Wind Slabs

20-40cm thick wind slabs

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is down approximately 150cm.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2018 2:00PM