Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 31, 2016 – Jan 1, 2017Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

A complex layering of wind slabs in the upper snowpack requires careful evaluation. Conservative terrain selection is advised as human triggering is likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Fresh wind slabs up to 15cm thick are found in the Alpine and in all open terrain at Treeline and below. In some areas these slabs sit on a weak layer of facets.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3
    A weak layer down 35 to 40cm in the snowpack seems prime for human triggering in steep and unsupported terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3
    The November crust buried 50 to 90cm in the snowpack has become reactive to snowpack stability tests. Triggering is more likely in shallow snowpack areas and rocky features.

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Sunday will bring cloudy skies and a return to cool temperatures. Alpine temperature will only reach a high of -23 C. Light flurries are expected with moderate NE winds. Monday and Tuesday are expected to remain cool with little to no precipitation. 

Avalanche Summary

A few slab avalanches up to size 2.0 have been observed in the past 24 to 48hrs on East aspects between 2200 and 2400m.

Snowpack Summary

Recent strong winds have formed wind slabs in the Alpine and in open areas at Treeline and below. These slabs are highly variable in thickness, density and distribution. Snowpack tests indicate a layer of concern down 35cm. This interface was giving moderate compression tests today on a North aspect at 2400m. In addition, the November crust layer is now producing moderate to hard shears down 50 to 90cm in the snowpack. At lower elevations the snowpack is very weak with occasional ski penetration to ground.

Regions covered