Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 19th, 2016 3:00PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Continued strong winds are producing widespread wind slabs on open slopes.Ice climbers be aware of exposure from above to loose dry avalanches.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

Continued strong westerly winds for the next few days. Expect 5-10cm on Tuesday afternoon. Tuesday will remain cold with a high of -10c.

Avalanche Summary

If Tuesday's storm is intensified, natural avalanche activity will likely increase.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm new snow in last 36 hrs with strong westerly winds. Extensive wind slabs in Alpine and open areas at TL.. The Nov 12th crust layer is buried 50-70cm and continues to give variable test results. Most of the snow pack is faceted and weak, especially where more shallow. The weather forecast is indicating another 10-15cm with strong winds which means the wind slabs will continue to grow and become more sensitive to human triggering.

Problems

Loose Dry

We expect to have received up to 20cm of snow by Tuesday afternoon. This new snow along with strong winds will increase the frequency and size of loose dry avalanches.

Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

These slabs are continuing to grow with the consistent strong winds and will likely be more sensitive to human triggering and if triggered they could step down to the November crust layer.

If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 20th, 2016 2:00PM