Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 6th, 2024 2:45PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Kananaskis,
Avalanche Canada
Snow is coming! Amounts are still up in the air, but we are optimistically hoping for 10-20cm by Sunday. The ratings for Saturday take the higher amounts into consideration, but expect hazard to rise with any new snow.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Despite being warm and windy, the loose wet activity has stopped. Nothing new from today.
Snowpack Summary
Extended warm weather has done a number on our snowpack. Lots of wind scouring out there, with moderate wind loading in lee terrain. We can expect a widespread crust to form tonight, and likely stay as snow arrives tomorrow. The character of the interface will be the thing to watch as there are a few variables at play. Re-freeze timing, snow amounts and aspect distribution will all play parts in how this crust/interface develops. Aside from new crust speculation, the deeper layers are still lingering below but they are becoming less and less apparent as a crust and more apparent as a weak layer made up of depth hoar and facets.
Weather Summary
Temperatures will cool slightly tonight and settle at -8°. Daytime high is only a degree or two warmer. Snow forecasts don't quite agree on expected amounts for tomorrow, but hey, atleast there's snow in the forecast! Expect anywhere from 10-20cm by tomorrow evening. Ridge winds will average 40km/hr from the west for most of the day.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid steep terrain that is rocky and thin.
- Pay attention to isolated wind affected features in the alpine, as well as cross-loaded features at treeline.
- Avoid freshly wind-loaded terrain features.
Problems
Wind Slabs
If the snow materializes tomorrow, expect rapid wind slab development. The crust/wind slab interface will likely be poor. Storm slabs should also be on the radar in sheltered areas.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
This deeper layer will likely wake up with any new load, whether its from wind transport or new snow won't matter. Windslabs may even step down to this layer. Treat the deep layers with respect and don't underestimate it.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 7th, 2024 3:00PM
