Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 20th, 2015 9:00AM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The forecast suggests a stabilizing trend, but stay tuned in for the trouble layers. Local conditions may vary from place to place.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number of field observations on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Alpine temps will rise tomorrow. They will settle into the -10 to -8 range by tomorrow afternoon. Winds will be out of the NW and generally moderate. No new snow is expected.

Avalanche Summary

Limited observations today.

Snowpack Summary

No new snow today. The buried surface hoar layer is a concern. Its depth varies considerably from area to area. At treeline, it may be down as much as 30cm. The two other persistent problems are deeper, but not as concerning at the moment. The Dec 13th will be down 60cm at treeline and the Nov 6th will be just above the ground. Average snow depths range from 60cm at valley bottom to 110 at treeline.

Problems

Wind Slabs

The distribution of this layer is largely unknown. It is worth hunting for it in a few areas to track it before committing to your line. Dig deeper than normal for a thorough inspection.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

This problem is easily tracked and assessed. Open areas at treeline are more suspect.

Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

This weak basal layer is everywhere. Caution in thin areas, and/or areas with a rocky base.

Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Jan 21st, 2015 2:00PM