Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2012 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Winds are forecast to increase over the next 24hrs so expect to see some redistribution of available snow. Still LOTS of variability in snowpack depths right now. Thin weak spots are places to avoid as you may wake up the basal crust. Profile 1226

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Winds are forecast to increase out of the SW but unfortunately, no new snow is in the forecast for a few days. The drought may be soon upon us... Temperatures are becoming more seasonal as the arctic air begins to push out of the forecast region.

Avalanche Summary

A few loose dry avalanches up to size 1.

Snowpack Summary

Very little change in the snowpack over the past few days. The upper snowpack continues to settle and strengthen. Windslabs building at ridgeline's with increased westerly winds above 2500m. Below treeline in in sheltered areas at treeline, surface is growing up to sz 4mm.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Pockets of thin windslabs are being encountered at ridgelines and along cross-loaded gully features.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.>Use safe ski cutting techniques before entering ski run. >

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is still a concern despite the lack of activity. Today's snow study trip found a generally deep snowpack, however shallow areas will be found in the alpine. Treat these variable areas with caution.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2012 2:00PM