Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2014 7:16AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Natural avalanche activity has tapered off, but human-triggering remains a concern. It is still early season and the snowpack is weak and shallow, so be mindful of hazards such as rock and stumps.

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

Cool temps and windy conditions will persist until later on Tuesday when alpine areas should reach -10 celsius. Wednesday will see a high of -5 celsius with light to moderate westerly winds. No precipitation is expected for at least the next 5 days.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity has tapered off significantly. Avalanche control on EEOR today produced several size 1.5 slab avalanches. Propagation of these slabs was limited, but most did step down to the basal layers.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack continues to settle. Wind prone areas at treeline and above have experienced extensive wind effect and significant wind slab development, and this condition will likely continue overnight Monday and into Tuesday. The November rain crust remains prominent at the base of the snowpack and is a layer of concern.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slab development continues. Expect to find these slabs in lee and cross-loaded features at Alpine and Treeline elevations. These slabs remain sensitive to human triggering.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>Whumpfing is direct evidence of a buried instability.>Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

An avalanche that is initiated in the upper snowpack could step down to the basal weak layers.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Use careful route-finding and stick to moderate slope angles with low consequences>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2014 2:00PM