Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 2017 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 Persistent Slabs.

KESAdmin, Alberta Parks

Kananaskis.

Cooler temperatures are leading to an improving trend in the avalanche danger level. However, wind slabs at upper elevations still require careful evaluation.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Sunday will be a mix of sun and cloud with a high -17 Celsius in the Alpine. Winds will be light from the West. It looks like Santa won't be bringing any snow for Christmas Day.

Avalanche Summary

Several naturally triggered loose dry avalanches up to size 1.0 were observed in very steep Alpine terrain on all aspects. Otherwise no slab avalanches were observed or reported in the past few days.

Snowpack Summary

Cold temperatures and clear skies are leading to surface facetting. Wind slabs are found in the Alpine on all aspects and in open areas at Treeline immediately below ridge-crests in lee and cross-loaded terrain. The Dec 15th surface hoar layer is found down 20 to 30cm at elevations below 2200m, but the lack of an overlying slab means that this layer of concern is not yet active. The November crusts are beginning to facet and are producing generally hard results in stability tests.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are present in open areas and along ridge lines, and continued to grow today with the moderate winds. Watch for areas with reverse loading due to the recent northerly winds.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded slopes

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Triggering of a deeper slab is unlikely but still possible, particularly in shallow snowpack areas.

Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.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 24th, 2017 2:00PM