Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2013 8:21AM

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

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

No shortage of tracks out there right now. However, we are developing a shortage in untouched, skiable terrain. Careful terrain choices will become increasingly important in the next while.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Winds increasing to strong in the alpine and moderate at treeline. Daytime temps of -10 at TL. No precip in the immediate forecast. We'll have to wait until Sunday for that....

Avalanche Summary

No new obs

Snowpack Summary

SH growing up to 10mm, 2100m and below. Top 20 facetting with strong TG. Above 2100m surface snow is either wind pressed or has thin windslabs, all aspects. Buried WS in ALP and TL. Midpack holding up well despite cold temps. Nov crust down 80-110 at 2200m and breaking down in certain areas. These areas are unpredictable.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs of varying thickness and density are present in the Alpine on all aspects, especially along ridgelines and cross loaded features. Buried wind slabs are also present on N and E aspects down 25 to 55cm in the snowpack.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Nov rain crust is variable through the forecast area. In some areas it has facetted out, and in others it is still intact. Despite good test results, there is still a concern where the snowpack thins. Shallow spots deserve some caution still.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Jan 4th, 2013 2:00PM