Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2013 8:05AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Generally stable conditions exist at the moment, but be curious and cautious if you push into new lines. Steep, unsupported terrain is a concern, as are shallow snowpack areas where triggering a deeper instability could occur.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Winds will pick up to 75km/h from the W on Thursday. Alpine temperatures are forecast to be warm in the morning and then cool off through the day. No precipitation is expected.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new.

Snowpack Summary

Not much is changing in the snowpack lately. The continued cold temps are promoting facetting of the snowpack. Surface hoar continues to grow and surface facetting is also ongoing. recent stability tests indicate a variable shear in the upper 25 to 55cm in alpine areas and no consistent results on the November rain crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs of varying thickness are present in the Alpine on all aspects, especially along ridgelines. Buried wind slabs are also present on N and E aspects down 25 to 55cm in the snowpack.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>Use caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Nov rain crust is variable through the forecast area. In some areas it has facetted out, and in others it is still intact. Field tests are not indicating any results, but this layer is still in the back of our mind, especially in shallow areas.

Be aware of thin areas that may propagate to deeper instabilites.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2013 2:00PM