Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 20th, 2017 3:31PM

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

michael.olsthoorn, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Recent winds and new snow have loaded lee features in the alpine. Good skiing can be found throughout but should be approached with caution for wind slabs.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Thursday is expected to bring cloudy skies with flurries (5cm) and alpine temperatures of -10. The wind should be steady around 20km/hr from the west.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed.

Snowpack Summary

8cm of new snow overnight brings our storm snow to about 25-30cm at treeline and up to 40cm in the alpine. The winds have been transporting snow in the alpine all day, so expect wind slab development around ridges and lee features. It is possible that this wind effected snow extends to tree line as yesterday had winds from all directions.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs continue to grow and likely becoming stiffer in the alpine and lee features at treeline. These are sitting on a weak layer of storm snow that has yet to settle.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Widespread, yet variable in terms of how strong it is. In most areas it is still strong and supportive, but in isolated areas, it is relatively weak.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 21st, 2017 2:00PM