Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2017 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Surprisingly good skiing in sheltered alpine & treeline areas today. Near the divide seems to have the deepest snow. There were some small sluffs today in steep terrain. These could be a problem in larger terrain features.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

The winds will calm down a little more over the next few days. Tomorrow will see 35km/hr SW winds at ridgetop. Only trace amounts of snow in the next 24-36 hours, Temperatures will be consistent at -10 in the alpine. The three day outlook is consistent with scattered cloud and SW wind.

Avalanche Summary

A few small skier triggered loose dry sluffs in steep terrain.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine the winds have blown the available snow around and in some places exposed the crust, and in others, lee areas have been filled in. From our experiences, the Nov 26th crust is widespread up to 2600m. We haven't been above that elevation, but its thought the crust extends well into the alpine. The blown in areas are wind slabs of various densities. Some areas are very soft slabs, and others are dense and more reactive to skier triggering. Treeline is a similar story, however the crust is consistently buried below 50cm of snow. Total snow height at treeline is 130-140cm The crust is very solid and currently bridging the weaker lower layers. Interestingly, today's snow pit had moist snow from ground up to the base of the November crusts.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs of varying densities near ridges, in gullies, and in areas with downflow winds. As always, steep convex terrain should be approached with caution. These may initiate on the Nov crusts or interfaces between slabs.

Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The new crusts are preventing the deeper layers from disturbance. Remember, in shallow areas it is still possible to trigger the deeper layers.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2017 2:00PM