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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 24th, 2017–Dec 25th, 2017
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

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

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.

Avalanche 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