Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 24th, 2017 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The snowpack is pretty stable, but watch for wind slabs at higher elevations. Merry Christmas!!!

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Looks like clear sailing tonight for Santa with no precipitation and light winds expected. Both Christmas Day and Boxing Day will be mostly sunny with a few cloudy periods and cold temperatures ranging between -18 and -24 °C. Winds will remain light out of the West and Northwest. Let's hope the New Year will bring some new snow our way!

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Snowpack Summary

Not much changing in the snowpack at the moment, except more profound faceting due to the persistent cold temperatures. Wind slabs are found in the Alpine on all aspects and in open areas at Treeline immediately below ridge-crests in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The Dec 15th surface hoar layer is found down 20 to 30cm at elevations below 2200m, but the lack of an overlying slab means that this layer of concern is not yet active. The November crusts are beginning to facet and as they continue to become weaker, this layer will become problematic.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are present in the Alpine on all aspects, and in isolated spots at Treeline. Steep and unsupported terrain are areas where triggering is more likely.

Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopesBe careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Triggering of a deeper slab is unlikely, but still possible in shallow snowpack areas.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 25th, 2017 2:00PM