Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2018 3:00PM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Weak layers in the snowpack are not healing. Conservative route choices are required.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Thursday should bring trace amounts of snowfall with light winds and ridge-top temperatures between -10 and -20. Friday will be much the same with slightly warmer temperatures.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs are widespread in the Alpine and at Treeline in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The Dec 10th surface hoar/facet interface is prominent throughout the forecast area and continues to produce easy to moderate shears down 40 to 60cm. The basal layers are very weak and facetted, with occasional ski penetration to ground when you leave the up-track.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Slabs are everywhere in lee and cross-loaded terrain in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. These slabs are very sensitive to human-triggering in steep and unsupported terrain.

Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent slopes.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal layers are very weak. An avalanche initiated in the upper snowpack could step down to the bottom of the snowpack.

Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2018 2:00PM