Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 30th, 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.

mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

The drought continues. Winds at upper elevations are making the skiing challenging. No new snow is in the forecast for the next few days...

Summary

Confidence

Good

Weather Forecast

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche observations.

Snowpack Summary

Not much is changing out there at this time. Alpine areas have wind skin and pockets of wind slabs that is making the skiing hooky and challenging. Surface hoar is growing below 2100m on all aspects and the snowpack below this elevation is beginning to facet and weaken.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Variable winds have developed thin wind slabs on all aspects along ridgelines. These slabs also extend a short distance below ridge-crest on S and E aspects. Buried wind slabs are also present on N and E aspects down 25 to 55cm.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.>Avoid steep slopes below cornices.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is still a concern despite the lack of activity. In most areas at and above treeline we have a generally "deep" snowpack, however shallow areas will be found in the alpine. Treat these variable areas with caution.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.>Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 6

Valid until: Dec 31st, 2012 2:00PM