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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 10th, 2019–Dec 11th, 2019
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

Cold temps continue to facet the snowpack. While there is some "better" skiing in alpine areas getting up and down from them is a challenge. Really only warm temps and settlement or a big snowfall and clean-out will help improve the current snowpack. 

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Light flurries are forecast for Wednesday as the high pressure ridge begins to break down. Accumulations are forecast to be minimal. Winds will continue to be light out of the NW and temperature around -5C at treeline. 

Avalanche Summary

Only one new slab avalanche was observed on Tuesday. It occurred on an NE aspect at 2300m on Commonwealth ridge. The slide initiated well below the ridgeline in a crossloaded feature (sz 2). Numerous losoe dry facetlanches were also observevd. 

Snowpack Summary

Cold temperatures the past few days are promoting surface faceting. At lower elevations the snowpack remains shallow and weak with ski penetration to ground in most areas unless you are on an previously skied path. Early season hazards are everywhere!! At treeline and above the wind effect starts. wind slab distribution is quite variable, but typical problem areas such as lee and cross-loaded terrain will have wind slabs. Recent natural and human-triggered avalanches indicate that these wind slabs are worth paying attention too. The two main failure planes of concern are the November crust and the October crust/facet combo buried approximately 50 to 70cm respectively at treeline.