Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 2014 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Local forecasts vary right now. If the current warnings of 20cm's hold true, expect the hazard to quickly and dramatically increase. Monitor changing conditions in the field.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Weather Forecast

There is a fast moving westerly system that will blow through the area tonight. There is some light snow expected (6cm's), but the winds will be the real story. Alpine(3000m) winds are expected to peak at over100kph tonight. The temps will fall in the same range as we have been experiencing lately.

Avalanche Summary

Limited observations today

Snowpack Summary

The flurries expected last night never materialized. According to our weather stations, there was no new snow. Despite that, the alpine ridges will still have windslabs in specific areas that are touchy to human triggering. There has not been a lot of change in the snowpack as a whole. The basic structure is a dense layer sitting in top of a rotten, weak base (the Nov 6th crust and/or the Nov 24th facets). The depth of the the Nov 6th varies from area to area, but generally it is down 70-90 at treeline.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Areas with a variable snowpack are a likely place to be surprised by this layer. Steep and shallow areas should be treated with caution.

Avoid cross loaded slopes at or above treeline.>Avoid thin, rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Any reported action with this layer has been encountered near ridges. Ease into the wind effected areas and keep an eye on the consequences of an avalanche.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 24th, 2014 2:00PM