Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2013 3:00PM

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

matt.mueller, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Not a lot of change out there right now. The temps will rise tomorrow to a more pleasant range. Valley bottom highs could reach -12. Keep an eye out for the problems outlined in the bulletin and enjoy the sun.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

The cold temps are expected to warm up in the next 24hrs. The upper flow will change to a more northerly direction as this change occurs. Other than that the forecast is for clear skies, light winds and no snow.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations today

Snowpack Summary

The pattern of the past few days continued today. Surface hoar continued to grow overnight and facetting continued throughout the snowpack.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Because of the variable coverage, this problem is still first on our list. Steep, shallow terrain could easily start a full depth avalanche. Recognizing where the combination of slope angle and snow depth meet will be critical in avoiding avalanches.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

These windslabs are becoming harder to find with the cold spell. Keep an eye out when approaching areas that appear to be freshly windloaded. Open, steep and reverse loaded areas at treeline are a likely place to find them.

Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2013 2:00PM