Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 31st, 2014 7:28AM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The extended cold temps are weakening the upper snowpack and as a result wind slabs are becoming less reactive. However, caution in untracked terrain or areas with no previous avalanche activity is still advised.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Looks like clear skies for the next 24 hours with cooler temperatures. Day time high tomorrow at valley bottom -10C. Moderate ridge top winds tomorrow and no new snow.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations today.

Snowpack Summary

Valley bottom, weak thin snow pack up to 1950m. Starting to support above 2000m. Above this the midpack here has more structure than from a month ago. Approaching treeline faceting from the cold is more evident. Sheltered areas at treeline are still weak. Open areas at treeline and alpine have consolidated with previous wind effect. Testing the past 2 days have shown a consistently poor result with a sudden collapse at ground in a depth hoar layer. Snow depth Mud lake area 83cm, Burstall Pass 109cm.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Testing today near treeline again showed a sudden collapse in the basal weakness. Steep variable terrain with no previous activity is a likely spot to trigger a wide propagation.

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

3 - 6

Wind Slabs

Some improvement over the past few weeks however these slabs are still a concern in very specific terrain. This includes steep, convex, immediate lee features at upper treeline to alpine.

Avoid unsupported slopes.>Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 1st, 2014 2:00PM