Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 19th, 2017 3:14PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Pretty good skiing out there right now, but getting to it can be an exercise! Below treeline travel is still pretty rugged. Sluffing will be a concern in confined areas, avoid those features for atleast another day.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

4 cm of additional snow expected overnight. A mix of sun and cloud tomorrow with no snow. -19 overnight, with a day time high of -10. Ridge winds will be light with variable direction.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today, but suspect some isolated wind slabs up to sz 1 in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Another 5cm overnight brings our recent storm totals to 20-25cm at treeline. In wind prone areas at treeline, we're seeing a small, yet dense wind slab form. So far this is a minor concern, however it will become more significant with the increasing winds. The crusts are all present, and in various states of decay. In some places they are still intact, and in others they have broken down. The alpine elevations saw moderate winds from all directions today. New windslabs will be present on most aspects as the winds shift to the east. 120cm of snow at treeline & the Nov 27th crust was down 40cm.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs continue to grow at treeline and alpine. These are sitting on a weak layer of storm snow that has yet to settle.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Widespread, yet variable in terms of how strong it is. In most areas it is still strong and supportive, but in isolated areas, it is relatively weak.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 20th, 2017 2:00PM