Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 19th, 2012–Dec 20th, 2012

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kananaskis.

Snow is in the forecast for the area! Depending on the amounts of snow & wind the hazard may spike. Conditions may change rapidly. MM

Confidence

Fair - Intensity of incoming weather is uncertain on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Low pressure bringing light, but steady snow to the area starting Wed night. Amounts are expected to be up to 20cm in the next 24hrs. Winds will vary from light at valley bottom to strong in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Natural trigger, slab, E aspect, 2300m, sz2Â Icefall trigger, slab, E aspect, 2000m, sz1 Small pocket pulled out below ice, the ice continued to slide down the entire slope (200m), entraining snow as it went, but no slope failure. Very large ice chunks, up to 4 cubic meters total.

Snowpack Summary

continued wind building wind slabs at TL and above. Significant wind transport today. Midpack generally well settled, but surface facetting continues with strong TG. Nov crust down 80-100 at TL and is starting to break down at TL elevations.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are highly variable in their depth and distribution, but are prominent in alpine areas and isolated locations at treeline. Cross-loaded features and terrain immediately below ridge crests are possible trigger points.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is prevalent throughout the forecast area and is buried 100cm on average. Field tests are showing a decrease in activity on this layer but it should not be forgotten. Thin spots may be areas where light loads could trigger this interface.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 6