Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 22nd, 2013 3:00PM

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

burke.duncan, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Right now the treeline area will be the most effected by the new snow. Lots of whumphing and settlements reported lately! The weight of the new snow is a big consideration for avalanche initiation.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Weather Forecast

A front will be passing through late tonight and into tomorrow. The winds will precede the precipitation with wind speeds into the extreme range(115km/hr) at ridgetop. Even Valley bottom winds will pick up to moderate levels. The snow will peak tomorrow around noon and drop a whole 6cm's. The temperature trend will be a split. Alpine temps will cool and valley bottom will warm at the same time. Temperatures are generally going to rise as the week goes on. HS@mud lake 65, HS@Burstall Pass 82

Avalanche Summary

Several natural avalanches were noted today in the alpine. They followed the pattern from last week's cycle: steep, N-E facing alpine terrain below cliffs.

Snowpack Summary

The cold temps have started to facet the new snow from last week. There are some pockets of storm/wind slab associated with this snow, but for the most part the wind has'nt had a huge effect on the new snow. The mid pack is weak in all locations/elevations. The Oct. crust was found during today's snow study mission, but only in one of two profiles- these profiles were 20m apart! The variability in the snow pack is impressive right now to say the least.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This layer is still out there and difficult to find. Within a 20m area field crews today had one pit with the crust, and one pit without. What is much easier to find is the depth hoar associated with the crust. Be diligent in tracking this layer.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Avoid thin, rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

The windslabs from last week's storm are becoming less reactive as time goes on. The cold temps are helping to facet it out. These are still a concern near ridges and steep terrain

Avoid cross loaded features.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2013 2:00PM