Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2019 3:33PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Heads up!!! Snowfall and strong winds are expected for Thursday and Friday. Rapid loading overtop of a weak base is a recipe for natural avalanches.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

The weather is changing. Expect 25-30cm of snow by the end of the day on Thursday. Along with this, the forecast is indicating strong SW winds and temperature of -5c for the alpine for Thursday.Â Stay tuned as Friday will also bring more snow.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed today.

Snowpack Summary

Heavy snowfall and strong winds are expected for Thursday, changing conditions drastically. The snow and strong winds will add a heavy load to an already weak snowpack. The bottom 50cm of the snowpack is mostly made up of facets. Natural and human avalanche triggering will become likely on Thursday.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal layers are very weak. An avalanche initiated in the upper snowpack could step down to the bottom of the snowpack.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Expect these in all open areas.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2019 2:00PM