Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 19th, 2016–Dec 20th, 2016

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

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

Regions: Kananaskis.

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

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.

Avalanche 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