Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 29 – 30, 2013Alberta Parks
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The snow pack is extremely variable right now. Monitor the depth and quality of the snow pack as the terrain steepens. Choose terrain wisely and keep consequences at the front of your mind. Plenty of "early" season hazards out there still.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    These new slabs are developing right now. The moderate winds at TL are increasing the likelihood and size of these slabs releasing. Steep, unsupported rolls will be areas of concern tomorrow.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–4
    The variable snow pack depth and this layer are working together to make terrain choices very difficult. Today's snow study found hard slabs over this layer that made us nervous of wide propagations. Big avalanches are a real concern with this layer.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

A predictable pattern this week of moderate temperatures (-4 to -12), steady alpine winds out of the NW (up to 80 km/h at 3000m) and flurries that are expected to bring 4cm's in the next 24hrs. There is a bit more snow forecasted for later in the week and a cooling trend to accompany it.

Avalanche Summary

Lots of spindrift coming off the steep alpine faces with the occasional loose dry pouring out of gullies.

Snowpack Summary

BTL snowpack still thin and weak. TL is a bit better with an average HS 65 and generally supportive. The recent storm snow has been blown around to form soft slabs in open areas. These are mostly unreactive, but that may change as the wind continues and terrain gets steeper. The alpine snowpack is the story of the day. Highly variable in both depth and quality. Hardslab on depth hoar, facets to ground and a skim of snow over rocks. The alpine has it all, and all within a ten meter area.

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