Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2017 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Human triggered avalanches are still a concern despite the lack of natural activity.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Sunny skies forecast for Tuesday with a high temperature of -20c and light winds form the Nortrh.

Avalanche Summary

One natural avalanche size 2 observed in steep unskiable terrain on an East aspect at 2600m.

Snowpack Summary

A wind slab on the surface up to 10cm is found mostly in open areas at all elevations. Our main concern in the snow pack is the persistent slab that sits on a 10cm facet layer(December 18th layer) approximately 35cm down. Our second concern is the November rain crust which is located in the lower third of the snowpack mostly below 2400m. Below tree line, the snowpack is mostly faceted and not very supportive to skier traffic.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This persistent slab is dense and is sitting on top of a 10cm weak facet layer. If this layer fails, it has the potential to trigger the deeper November crust.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Triggering is more likely in shallow snowpack areas and rocky features.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Mostly 10cm thick slabs in open areas at all elevations.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopes

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2017 2:00PM