Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2015 7:16AM

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.

Ski quality is still poor in the alpine. Treeline and below is the place to look for turns these days.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will rise to -8 tomorrow. The winds will light to moderate at all elevations, No snow is expected.

Avalanche Summary

2 avalanches were noted: A sz2 on a steep E aspect & a sz2.5 on a steep, E asp in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Forecasters made it up to 2300m today to inspect the alpine. The snow depth was 165cm's. The Dec 13th crust was there, but weak and decomposing. Stabillity tests showed a weakness down 50-60cm's on this crust. As expected, the winds have created windslabs 2400m and above. At lower elevations, the warm temperatures from yesterday did not have a huge impact. No new crusts formed.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Yesterday's wind created slabs on all eastern aspects. Some isolated natural activity suggests these are easily triggered. Be cautious in steep terrain.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Persistent Slabs

The windslabs sitting on the crust are a concern on steep, open areas at upper treeline.

Avoid open slopes with any steepness over 40 degrees.>Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

This bottom layer has turned into a classic rockies base. It is weak in all areas. Caution in steep, shallow areas.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2015 2:00PM