Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2012 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 Deep Persistent Slabs.

burke.duncan, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

With the current forecast we are looking at a week with little change. Snowfall amounts by late in the week are under 10cm and while winds are expected to increase there is little snow available for wind transport. Lots of old tracks out there.

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Over Monday night into Tuesday temps will gradually decline and winds will shift to moderate values out of the NW. Into Wednesday winds will transition back to a more westerly flow and by Thursday they will be strong to extreme out of the SW. Little new precipitation is expected over the course of the week.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

At treeline and below it is becoming increasingly apparent that the November rain crust is breaking down due to facetting. In deeper snowpack areas the breakdown same breakdown is occurring although the process is slower.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are highly variable in their depth and distribution, but are prominent in alpine areas and isolated locations at treeline. Cross-loaded features and terrain immediately below ridgecrests are possible trigger points.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is prevalent throughout the forecast area and is buried 100cm on average. Field tests are showing a decrease in activity on this layer but it should not be forgotten. Thin spots may be areas where light loads could trigger this interface.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2012 2:00PM