Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2016 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 Loose Dry.

jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Keep an eye on solar aspects as day-time heating and radiation increase the hazard. Travel conditions are fast with minimal ski penetration except in shallow snowpack areas at lower elevations.

Summary

Confidence

High - Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Weather Forecast

Sunday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with no precipitation. Alpine temperature will reach a high of -4 °C, with winds out of the SW at 20km/h. Freezing levels will be at valley bottom. Monday may see a very small amount of snow fall, under cloudy skies.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today, but a skier accidentally triggered a size 2.0 wind slab avalanche a couple of days ago in steep Alpine terrain.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar growth in sheltered areas below treeline up to 20mm in size. The snowpack continues to facet due to persistent cold temperatures. Steep solar aspects have a thin sun crust that is melting later in the day as radiation and temperatures increase. Wind slabs are found in Alpine areas on all aspects, and some natural and human triggered avalanches have occurred in the past several days.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are found in much of the Alpine, particularly on lee and cross-loaded features. These slabs could be sensitive to human triggering in steep and/or unsupported terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets >Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Even though it is early January the solar radiation has been intense on steep aspects at higher elevations. Be wary of these slopes later in the day, and keep in mind what terrain is overhead.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>Avoid ice climbs that are exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1

Valid until: Jan 3rd, 2016 2:00PM