Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2014 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

When looking for ski terrain, constantly evaluate the snowpack and the Feb11 layer. Watch for signs of instability (whumphing and cracking) and plan routes accordingly. Cautious terrain is still the name of the game.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

We have some good weather heading our way for the next 3 days atleast. Skies will remain clear with maybe some thin high cloud. Winds are expected to be light from variable directions. No snow expected. And cold temps to go with the good weather spell. The temps are expected to climb gradually, but the jury is out on that. We'll see...

Avalanche Summary

More avalanches were seen from the cycle that passed through a few days ago now. They were at all elevations, N-S aspects and up to sz2.5. The common theme between them was unsupported terrain.

Snowpack Summary

The winds picked up a bitÂ today at ridgeline to alpine elevations. There was some slight wind effect at treeline, but only minor windslab development. Minor loose dry avalanches were noted out of steep cliff terrain. These will probably continue as the surface snow facets out and looses strength. Generally the upper snowpack seems to be settling reasonably well given the new snow from Friday and the cold temps. There was still whumphing and cracking in open at treeline and below. The midpack varies from a weak facetted pack to a very firm and supportive layer that dates back to a wind event in early January.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Our comfort level with this layer is still not good. The cycles that have been ongoing suggest we are at the "human trigger" phase of the cycle. Avoid large slopes, overhead slopes, convex slopes and any area that has not avalanched.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2014 2:00PM