Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 13th, 2017–Dec 14th, 2017
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
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.

Stable conditions out there.  Wind slabs cover most of the alpine and extend into tree line.  Good skiing can be found near tree line and below.  Be cautious of thinner snow coverage and natural hazards(logs and tree stumps) in the trees.

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Thursday is expected to bring mostly sunny skies with a temperature inversion (1c in the alpine and cooler in the valley bottom).  Winds will be 25km/hr from the west.  Freezing level is suppose to be at valley bottom.  Cooler temps and isolated flurries forecast for Friday.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanche activity observed.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is mostly stable and will not not change much until  we see a major weather change. Quite a bit of wind slab on all aspects in the alpine and trending to treeline. This wind slab can be quite hard and mostly breakable. Isolated sun crust on steep solar aspects. Surface hoar is growing and is found up to 2100m. The November rain crusts will be present for the season and are 30-50cm down from the surface but are not a big concern at the moment.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs can be found in most places in the alpine and extend somewhat into treeline. These slabs are 10-30cm thick and can be hard and breakable.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Breakable crust makes for tough ski conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This layer is widespread in terms of its location in the terrain. Its condition seems to vary from an intact crust to a facetted mish mash of weak grains. Thin areas that have a hard slab over top should be treated with caution.
Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3