Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 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.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The October layer of facets/depth hoar/crust has been associated with 6 avalanche involvements so far this season! This layer is here to stay and should be an important consideration in route selection.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Mainly cloudy with a only trace amounts of precipitation expected over the next several days. Winds will be strong from the West and Alpine temperatures are expected to be in the -7 to -15 range.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Overall the snowpack is weak and facetted at lower elevations. At treeline and above wind slabs are present in lee and cross-loaded features. In addition, concern remains for the October facet/crust/depth hoar layer. Whumpfing has been observed in recent days and confidence is low in the integrity of this layer.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Avalanches could step down to the basal October crust (or the ground) and involve the entire winters snowpack, especially in shallow snowpack areas. Some whumpfing has been experienced in recent days.

Avoid thin, rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.>Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are found in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. No recent natural avalanches have been associated with this problem, but human triggering is still possible, especially along ridge crests or in steep and unsupported terrain.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Avoid cross loaded features.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 24th, 2013 2:00PM