Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 27 – 28, 2014Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Slabs sitting on the Dec 13th layer are still trigger-able at higher elevations. This avalanche problem will be slow to improve.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    The bond with the Dec 13th rain crust is poor in most areas. This is a concern in wind affected terrain where slabs up to 40cm thick are possible to trigger.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    The weak basal layers are still a concern. This problem has a lower probability of triggering, but if a sweet spot is found the entire winter's snowpack could be set in motion.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will cool significantly over the next couple of days and winds should be light from the NW. Trace amounts of precipitation are expected over then next couple of days.

Avalanche Summary

A few very small sluffs in steep terrain at Alpine and Treeline elevations.

Snowpack Summary

No new snow overnight. Between 15 and 30cm of snow overlies the Dec 13th rain crust depending on elevation. Shears persist at this interface in wind affected terrain. This crust disappears above 2200m in most areas. Profile today at 2150m revealed a very dense mid-pack but this isn't the case in all areas. The November rain crust has deteriorated to facets and depth hoar.

Regions covered