Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2019 3:05PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Good skiing can be found on moderate angle terrain. This is the time to stay out of the steeper lines.

Summary

Confidence

Weather Forecast

Up to 8cm of snow is forecast to fall by Wednesday afternoon. The winds are expected to be strong for Thursday out of the West and moderating for Friday. Alpine temperatures for Thursday and Friday will be around -6c with a warming trend on Saturday.

Avalanche Summary

A skier controlled size 2 avalanche occurred in the Tryst Chutes. Another size 2 natural was observed in the Goat Range.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds today has moved the snow around a bunch in the alpine and tree line today. Expect some wind slabs starting at tree line in lee features and getting more dense as you get into the alpine. The December 30 facet layer which is down about 50cm is still on our radar as it has produced clean sheers earlier in the week. The bottom half of the snowpack is weak and made up of facets. Any avalanches that happen have a chance of stepping down to ground because of these basal facets.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Be aware of cracking around your skis as you approach tree line. This is a good indicator of wind slabs.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

The bottom half of the snowpack is very weak. Triggering this layer will result in large to very large avalanches.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent slopes.Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2019 2:00PM