Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 29th, 2014–Dec 30th, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: 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.

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.

Avalanche 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