Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 9th, 2017 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

This unique weather pattern hasn't had the negative impact that was originally expected. Lots of good skiing can still be had, especially on the shady aspects. Enjoy the skiing, but don't switch to auto pilot and turn the "avalanche radar" off.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Tomorrow will see the temperature inversion continue. Alpine highs are expected to be around 2°. Winds will be from the west and be about 40km/hr. Mostly sunny with occasional cloud.

Avalanche Summary

Some minor pin wheeling out of very steep, south facing terrain today.

Snowpack Summary

Significant surface hoar growth in low areas in the last 36-48 hours. It is found up to 2100m, and in some cases it is very large(20-30mm). Luckily the warmer temperatures above haven't allowed it to grow in the alpine or treeline areas. The warmth has also settled the treeline and alpine snow considerably. Non-polar aspects have settled snow, while steep solar aspects have moist snow and/or sun crusts in steeper areas by mid afternoon. The various crusts seem to be hanging in there with limited degradation in the last while. An alpine snow pit today had test results showing a good bond among the various layers. Wind prone areas still have a wind slab that may react to a skier's/rider's weight.

Problems

Wind Slabs

These are found in the higher alpine areas, usually below cliffs or areas where the wind has loaded the snow in.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This layer is widespread in terms of its location in the terrain. Its condition seems to vary from an intact crust to a facetted mish mash of weak grains. Thin areas that have a hard slab over top should be treated with caution.

Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 10th, 2017 2:00PM