Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 10th, 2017 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Good skiing can still be found in sheltered and shady places in the Alpine.Generally a stable snowpack. Keep watch for signs of the snow warming up with the high freezing level on Monday.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Tonight, we are looking at low of 0c. Tomorrow, the forecast indicates sunny skies with cloudy periods along with winds from the West at 20km/hr. The freezing level for Monday is expected to rise to 3000m.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche activity observed.

Snowpack Summary

The story will be quite the same this week. Surface hoar growth continues and can be found up to 2100m. Steep solar aspects will have moist snow when the sun shines on it, especially on Monday with the high freezing level. This moist snow will then turn into a crust once the sun disappears. The upper snowpack continues to settle considerably with the warm temperatures. There is no big concern at the moment for the November rain crusts. Variable wind slabs can be found in the alpine and into treeline.

Problems

Wind Slabs

These are found in the higher alpine areas, usually near ridge line or in lee features.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This layer is widespread in terms of its location in the terrain. Its condition seems to vary from an intact crust to a facetted mish mash of weak grains. Thin areas that have a hard slab over top should be treated with caution.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 11th, 2017 2:00PM