Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 4th, 2016 3:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

This last storm has dropped 25cm of snow but has also increased the hazard.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

There is up to 25cm recent storm snow and an additional 10cm forecast until the end of day on Sunday. This new snow along with what has fallen so far will keep the avalanche hazard at Considerable in the Alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanche activity was observed.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of storm snow is overlying a buried wind slab. This new snow and the buried wind slab down 50cm are both reactive to snow pit tests in the Alpine. These two layers are certainly a concern for triggering. The November 12th melt-freeze crust is now 40-60cm down from the surface and is still showing a good bond with the snow above.

Problems

Storm Slabs

Concern for this storm snow to become effected by the wind.

The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

These buried wind slabs are present in the alpine and treeline.

The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Recent storm snow is either loose or has become effected by the wind.

Choose ice climbs that are not exposed to avalanches from above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 5th, 2016 2:00PM