Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 14th, 2015 3:00PM

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

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

A new layer of surface hoar is growing up to 8mm that will likely be a problem when the next storm arrives. Continue to watch for this weak areas where you may trigger the basal weaknesses.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Warm temperatures continue and winds are forecast to increase as we move into the weekend. We aren't expecting any new snow over the next 24hrs but there will be a pulse on Friday that may give us 5 cm or so.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations.

Snowpack Summary

Very little change out there at this time. Open alpine terrain is wind affects even areas down into treeline are showing evidence of wind affected snow surface. The dec 13th crust is being found up to 2200m down 30-50cm and is continuing to produce moderate sheers on a layer of FC both above and below this layer. Deeper in the snowpack the Nov 6th crust persist but is showing signs of breaking down. A new layer of surface hoar is widespread in all areas below treeline and sheltered areas in the Alpine that will likely be a problem when the next storm, or a storm, arrives.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Be cautious around the treeline elevation where this layer seems most triggerable.

Avoid unsupported slopes.>Avoid cross loaded features.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Thin lenses of hard slabs can be found in alpine terrain. This will be most susceptible to human triggerring from thin weak areas.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

This interface is still in forecasters minds at the base of the snowpack. In many areas, this crust is beginning to facet out.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Valid until: Jan 15th, 2015 2:00PM