Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 29th, 2014 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The two avalanche problems have been slow to improve, hence the continued CONSIDERABLE danger rating. Cautious route-finding is advised in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Very cold conditions tonight should give way to a more moderate day on Tuesday with Alpine temperatures climbing to -13 celsius with a temperature inversion (colder in the valley floors). Wind chill will still be a factor as winds from the NW will reach 30km/h. No precipitation is expected for the next several days.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today.

Snowpack Summary

Trace to 2cm of new snow in past 24hrs. The Dec 13th rain crust, which exists at 2200m and below, is buried 15 to 30cm depending on elevation. Where wind slab conditions exist this rain crust provides a good sliding layer. The weak basal layers, including the November rain crust, are still a cause for concern. Isolated avalanche activity in the past several days indicate that this layer is still trigger-able. While the probability of triggering the basal layers is low, the consequences of a full depth avalanche is significant.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Slabs are still failing on a layer of facets above the December rain crust. Watch for this condition in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>Avoid unsupported slopes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Spotty avalanche activity over the past week indicates that the basal weaknesses are still a concern. Some recent avalanches have stepped down to the basal facets.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 30th, 2014 2:00PM