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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 21st, 2013–Dec 22nd, 2013

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Kananaskis.

Human triggering of slabs remains a possibility, especially at higher elevations. The weak basal facets are cause for concern in larger terrain features. Cautious route selection is advised.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Sunday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with alpine temperatures near -11 degrees. Winds will be light from the West. No new snow is expected Sunday and only a trace is forecast for Monday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Surface growth observed in sheltered areas at lower elevations. Sun crusts are found on steep South aspects. Snowpack is weak and unsupportive at lower elevations. Wind effect Alpine areas.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.