Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2019 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Avalanche hazard is decreasing, but wind slabs in the Alpine are still a concern. Also, keep in mind the weak basal layers that have recently produced a few large avalanches.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

The cold snap continues. Another night of -30, followed by mostly sunny skies and temperatures near -17 for Tuesday. Winds will be light from the NW.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today, but observations were limited. Over the weekend several wind slabs and deep persistent slabs were observed in Alpine areas with debris running into Treeline and Below Treeline elevations.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine areas are primarily wind effected with a mix of hard and soft wind slabs on all aspects. These tend to disappear as you descend into Treeline elevations. Overall the snowpack continues to facet, especially in shallow snowpack areas and at lower elevations. In valley bottoms the ski penetration is to ground unless you are traveling on an existing packed trail.

Problems

Wind Slabs

These are improving. Sticking to well supported terrain will help stack your odds of not triggering it.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is back in the game. Several full depth avalanches have occurred over the last several days. Thin spots and a weakening mid pack could spell trouble.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2019 2:00PM