Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 7th, 2012 8:36AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Loose Dry and Persistent Slabs.

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The good start to the season continues with continuing snow storms leaving up to 10cms. Forecasters are all in agreement that the alpine and large treeline features should be treated with respect for the next while. Expect rapid changes with wind. MM

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Timing of incoming weather is uncertain on Sunday

Weather Forecast

Avalanche Summary

Nc, sz2.5, Loose snow, 2800m, NE aspect, 80m X 600m,

Snowpack Summary

10 unsettled HN overlies an overall settled midpack, however there are 4F winslabs present at TL and ALP in specific terrain. Nov06 crust now down 70-80 at TL.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Strong to extreme winds have created widespread storm slabs in alpine areas and isolated wind slabs at treeline. Recent storm snow totals are close to 50cm so lots of snow is available for transport. These slabs may be buried by the new snow.

Avoid cross loaded features.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Loose Dry

Loose dry avalanches from steep unskiable terrain on all aspects, but more prominent on lee aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The Nov rain crust persists about 30+cm off the ground throughout the forecast area and is reactive to stability tests in the hard range. Avalanches in the upper snowpack may step down to this weakness.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Dec 8th, 2012 2:00PM