Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2012 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

No new snow in the forecast but thankfully a lack of wind! Our weekly snowpack video is available here.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

A few weak weather systems are expected to move across the forecast region over the next couple of days.Â We arent expecting anything in terms of new snow over the next couple of days are winds are forecasts to continue to be light.Â Great days to be out in the hills!Â Expect a mix of sun and cloud on Saturday.

Avalanche Summary

There were no new avalanche observations in areas travelled on Friday.Â Forecasters were able to see about 50% of the forecast area.

Snowpack Summary

Pockets of hard and soft slabs up to 40cm thick at ridgelines and in crossloaded features throughout Alpine areas.Â These slabs are overlying a well settled midpack with the 1106 crust down 100cm on average.Â This layer did not produce any sheers in snowpack tests on Friday.

Problems

Wind Slabs

These slabs are most pronounced near ridgelines and around crossloaded terrain where many runs start.. At treeline avoid steeper unsupported features where you may be able to trigger this weakness.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Avoid unsupported slopes.>Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is prevalent throughout the forecast area down on avg 100cm. Field tests are showing a decrease in activity on this layer but it should not be forgotten. Thin spots may be areas where light loads may be able to trigger this interface.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2012 2:00PM