Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2015 7:21AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Good snow quality at the moment, but watch for fresh wind slabs in the Alpine and take the time to evaluate the early December persistent weak layer before committing to a line.

Summary

Confidence

High

Weather Forecast

Tuesday will be cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Temperatures should reach a high of -10 Â°C. Winds will be westerly at 30-40 km/h. There is no significant precipitation expected over the next several days.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated naturally triggered sluffs up to size 1.0 were observed today in steep Alpine terrain on N, NE and E aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Surface faceting due to cool overnight temps. Recent storm snow is settling and exhibiting very little wind effect in most locations. Wind slabs are evident in some Alpine features, but these seem specific to certain drainages. The Feb 4th Persistent Weak Layer remains the principle concern in the snowpack and is buried up to 65cm at Treeline. Shear tests at this interface persist in the moderate range, but significant variability in the distribution and character of this interface exists through the forecast region.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The Dec 4 persistent weak layer is buried up to 70cm at Treeline and potential for human-triggering remains. This layer and it's sensitivity to triggering are highly variable. Take the time to explore the snowpack as you travel through the terrain.

Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are evident in lee and cross-loaded features, but these slabs are not found everywhere. Be cautious as you transition into wind affected snow.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2015 2:00PM