Avalanche forecast

Kananaskis

Dec 29 – 30, 2014Alberta Parks
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The two avalanche problems have been slow to improve, hence the continued CONSIDERABLE danger rating. Cautious route-finding is advised in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Slabs are still failing on a layer of facets above the December rain crust. Watch for this condition in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–4
    Spotty avalanche activity over the past week indicates that the basal weaknesses are still a concern. Some recent avalanches have stepped down to the basal facets.

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Very cold conditions tonight should give way to a more moderate day on Tuesday with Alpine temperatures climbing to -13 celsius with a temperature inversion (colder in the valley floors). Wind chill will still be a factor as winds from the NW will reach 30km/h. No precipitation is expected for the next several days.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today.

Snowpack Summary

Trace to 2cm of new snow in past 24hrs. The Dec 13th rain crust, which exists at 2200m and below, is buried 15 to 30cm depending on elevation. Where wind slab conditions exist this rain crust provides a good sliding layer. The weak basal layers, including the November rain crust, are still a cause for concern. Isolated avalanche activity in the past several days indicate that this layer is still trigger-able. While the probability of triggering the basal layers is low, the consequences of a full depth avalanche is significant.

Regions covered