Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2016 7:48AM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The next few days will see consistent weather. We can expect that to help improve the avalanche conditions below treeline. The persistent problem will last for some time despite the steady weather pattern.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

Tonight: Mainly cloudy. Alpine low -17. Moderate 30km/hr from the west. Tomorrow: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Alpine high of -12. Similar winds to tonight.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous sz2's from the past cycle are still evident, but nothing from the last 24 hours.

Snowpack Summary

At treeline and alpine elevations the Jan 6th facet and/or surface hoar layer is down 40-50cm. There have been some weakness noticed with this interface in windloaded areas where the slabs are thicker and more dense. In some areas, the windslabs themselves have the potential to fail. This has been noted in immediate lee areas. The crust from last week is still apparent at lower elevations, but is not a significant weakness or problem just yet.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

These are still considered touchy due to the facets underneath. It will take some time, or a large cycle to flush this problem out.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 5

Wind Slabs

Steady wind loading has kept this problem on the radar. The concern is the bond between the various windslab layers. We may also see them stepping down to deeper layers and entraining large amounts of snow.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2016 2:00PM